Perfect 7-Day Montenegro Itinerary Without a Car

Dreaming of exploring every magical corner of Montenegro, but dreading the thought of driving in a country famous for its Serpentine Road with 16 hairpin bends? You’re not alone – and this Montenegro itinerary was made for you!

This guide is perfect if you’re dreaming of more than just Insta-worthy, trending photo ops (although don’t worry – there will be plenty of those too!) It’s for the traveller who wants experience the real Montenegro: the stillness of a quiet morning in Kotor, the joy of hopping on a boat to a floating church, the awe of watching a glorious sunset from a vantage point high above the bay.

I’ll walk you through everything you need to know – where to base yourself, how to get around without your own wheels, and how to fully experience Montenegro at your own pace. By the end, you’ll feel totally confident planning your own trip to Montenegro without a car and excited for your trip, so let’s get to it!

Is One Week Enough Time to Visit Montenegro?

Yes, absolutely. With the right plan, it’s the perfect amount of time to get to know the true Montenegro. You’ll have plenty of time to see the top must-see places in Montenegro, explore hidden gems, and still have time to breathe and relax.

How to Get to Montenegro Without a Car

There are three main ways to get to Montenegro without a car – flying into Tivat (my recommendation,) flying into Podgorica (for more regular flights,) or flying into Dubrovnik, Croatia and booking a bus or transfer across the border (ideal if you want to explore Croatia and Montenegro together.) Let’s look at each of these ways in detail:

Flying into Tivat Airport, Montenegro

Tivat is the airport closest to Kotor, the base for this itinerary and most popular tourist destination in Montenegro. Tivat Airport is connected to major European airports, here are the most popular countries:

United Kingdom: The United Kingdom is the best connected country to Tivat. There are 8 weekly flights between Tivat and London Gatwick and London Luton. You can also travel between Tivat and Manchester and London Stansted, but they only offer 4 flights a week. These flights are serviced by EasyJet and Jet2.

Germany: There are 7 weekly flights between Tivat and Berlin, 4 weekly flights between Tivat and Dusseldorf, and 2 weekly flights between Tivat and Frankfurt and Stuttgart. These flights are serviced by EasyJet, Eurowings and Lufthansa.

France: The best connected airport in France is Paris Orly, with 6 weekly flights. You can also get between Tivat and Nice with 2 weekly flights. These flights are serviced by Transavia and EGT Jet.

Other countries that have airports connecting with Tivat include Czechia, Spain, Türkiye, Austria, Belgium, Italy and Switzerland.

How to Get From Tivat Airport to Kotor Old Town

To get from Tivat Airport to Kotor Old Town without a car, the only option you have is to take a taxi or prebook a transfer. For my trip, I used bookTaxi Montenegro. The driver was very courteous and met me in arrivals. The transfer took around 10 minutes and the driver dropped me off outside Sea Gate (the main entrance to Kotor old town,) as the old town itself is car free.

Other popular and trusted taxi companies in Montenegro include Red Taxi and Dijr Taxi. However, as a female solo traveller and a first time visitor to Montenegro, I liked the security of paying online in advance and being greeted in arrivals as soon as I landed.

It is also important to note that Tivat airport is highly seasonal, following Montenegro’s peak tourist season between May and September. If you wish to travel outside of these months, either flying into Podgorica or travelling from Dubrovnik would be a better option.

Flying into Podgorica Airport, Montenegro

The second most popular way to get to Montenegro is to fly into the countries main Podgorica airport, where flights are more frequent and less dependant on the seasons. You can fly to Podgorica from many European countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Türkiye, Italy and Austria.

Aside from seasonality, the key difference to consider when deciding between Podgorica airport and Tivat airport is location. Whereas Tivat is just 10 minutes from Kotor, Podgorica is between 2 hours and 2 hours 45 minutes away. There are regular daily transfers by bus that make this connection easier, leaving at least once an hour throughout the day. You can view up to date timetables and prices, and book tickets here.

Travelling from Dubrovnik to Kotor, Montenegro

If you want to combine Montenegro with your travels around Croatia, chances are you’ll be arriving in Kotor from the popular city of Dubrovnik. There are two ways to get to Montenegro from Dubrovnik without a car: by bus or with a private transfer.

By Bus: The bus from Dubrovnik to Kotor leaves from Dubrovnik bus station and takes around 2.5 hours (although you should factor in extra time for the border crossing.) The bus will drop you at Kotor bus station, which is an easy 10-15 minute walk from the old town of Kotor.

Note: Dubrovnik bus station can be found 2 miles from the old town, so to get there you will need to travel by taxi or local bus 1, 1a or 1b from Pile Gate. You can purchase tickets for this local bus from newspaper kiosks or from the Libertas stall by Pile Gate. The price is currently €1.73 in cash and you must validate your ticket in the machine when boarding the bus. You can also buy a ticket from the driver but these tickets cost €1.99.

By Private Transfer: If you’re nervous about the border crossing, you can also pay a premium for a private transfer, where the driver will help you through the process (although it is typically just as straightforward as showing your passport.) This option works out most cost effective for large groups, but anyone can book.

Is Montenegro Worth Visiting?

Short answer: absolutely. In my opinion, Montenegro is one of Europe’s most underrated destinations, and that’s precisely what makes it so special. With its dramatic coastal scenery, charming towns, rugged national parks, and spectacular beaches, it feels like several countries in one destination!

How to Get Around Montenegro Without a Car

But is Montenegro worth visiting if you can’t drive? As you might have guessed by the title of this itinerary, my answer is a resounding yes. The coast of Montenegro is well connected with buses and affordable, reliable taxi services. And if you base yourself in the charming town of Kotor, there are plenty of day tours and experiences to help you explore Montenegro’s inland beauty and stunning national parks, too. So lets explore the best ways to get around Montenegro without a car:

Walking in Montenegro

Montenegro is a very walkable country when you get to your destination. It’s popular towns – Kotor, Perast and Budva – are small and contained, and often not car friendly anyway due to pedestrianised streets. It is typical for all of the main tourist sights to be located in one area – usually the town’s old town.

Montenegro’s more natural sights are also highly walkable, especially when you travel with a guided tour. The drivers and guides are expert in these national parks and know the very best places to stop so you can get the best experience with easy walking. The only challenging walk of note is the 461 step climb to the top of the Njegos Mausoleum viewpoint, as part of the Lovcen National Park day tour.

Buses in Montenegro

Montenegro has both long-distance and local bus services. The most popular bus services in and around Kotor are:

The Blue Line Kotor to Perast bus: This local service takes around 30 minutes and stops in front of St. Nicholas’ Church, right in the heart of Perast. In Kotor, the bus picks you up not far from Sea Gate – it is marked as “Bus Stop to Perast and Risan” on Google Maps. There is no official timetable for this bus, but it runs pretty regularly – usually every hour on weekdays and every two hours on weekends. There are sometimes more buses put on during peak season. Make sure you bring cash for the bus fare, which costs just a couple of euros.

The Bus from Kotor to Budva: Buses to Budva depart every 30-45 minutes from Kotor Bus Station and cost around 3.50€ each way. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes and is very scenic. You can buy tickets directly at the bus station, last minute on the bus with cash, or online. In Budva, the bus stops at Budva’s bus station, which is a 20 minute walk to Budva old town.

The Bus from Kotor to Dubrovnik: The bus from Kotor to Dubrovnik leaves from Kotor bus station and takes around 2.5 hours (although you should factor in extra time for the border crossing.) The bus will drop you at Dubrovnik bus station, 2 miles from the old town. It is advisable to always book your ticket online, as this bus service is popular and usually full, especially during the peak summer season and at peak travel times.

Taxis in Montenegro

The best taxi company in Montenegro, trusted by locals and tourists alike, is Red Taxi. Their taxis are available 24/7 and can be booked on their website, on WhatsApp or over the phone. Red Taxi service the areas around Podgorica, Kotor and Tivat. The other taxi company that comes highly recommended is Dijr Taxi, another 24/7 company based around Kotor and Tivat only.

Guided Tours in Montenegro

Montenegro’s hidden gems and national parks are admittedly a lot harder to explore without a car, but they are also not to be missed if you want to experience the true beauty of the country during your 7-day Montenegro itinerary. This is where a guided tour is your best friend!

Tour companies like 360 Monte offer jam-packed day tours to the very heart of the country, including to the popular Lovcen National Park, Black Lake and Lake Skadar, so you don’t have to miss out just because you don’t have your own set of wheels!

Where to Stay in Montenegro

Where you choose to stay will be key to how you experience your 7-day trip to Montenegro. For the purposes of this Montenegro itinerary, and for exploring the very best of this stunning country without a car, Kotor is the ideal base.

Kotor is walkable, very well-connected and absolutely beautiful in its own right. Plus, with such a jam-packed itinerary to truly make the most of your time in Montenegro, it’s nice to check-in to your accommodation for the week without worrying about hotel hopping and transporting luggage from place to place.

For the best experience during your stay in Kotor, I would highly recommend choosing accommodation within the old town walls. As a solo female traveller, I always feel safer sticking to popular areas for my accommodation – especially given that a few of the days in this itinerary involve late arrivals back from tours. However, if you prefer a quieter vibe, I have also been recommended the neighbourhood of Dobrota, just a short walk from the old town. It is more affordable, much quieter, and very scenic with views across the bay.

Where to Stay in Kotor Old Town

In the old town, I chose to stay at a locally-run Airbnb called Casa di Cattaro. This spacious studio apartment is located opposite St Tryphon Cathedral, and has a private bathroom, double bed, kitchenette, and – my favourite – a small balcony with seating overlooking the square. Every morning, I woke up to the sound of the bells of St Tryphon Cathedral. While every evening, I sat on my tiny balcony, watching the hustle and bustle below my feet and listening to incredible live music from the nearby restaurants!

Safety Tips for Solo Travel in Montenegro

If you’re planning solo travel in Montenegro, you probably want to know whether it’s safe. Right? I visited Montenegro in September as a solo female traveller and first timer to the country (and the Balkans,) and didn’t have any issues during my week-long stay. However, there were a few times when I didn’t always feel comfortable.

There is a fair amount of poverty in Montenegro, which is noticeable as soon as you step outside the main tourist area of Kotor, for example on the way to the supermarket. I never felt unsafe, but I took extra precautions when visiting these areas: walking quickly and with purpose, putting my camera away and keeping money and valuables in my cross-body bag in front of me.

In terms of general safety vibes, all of the coastal towns I visited independently – Kotor, Perast and Budva – are walkable, well-lit, and there were always friendly looking locals and tourists around if you needed help. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, and people are generally kind and helpful without being overbearing. That said, it’s still important to follow common-sense solo travel practices: avoid walking alone in very quiet areas at night, don’t have valuables on display and always, always trust your gut if a situation feels off.

As always, I recommend staying in reputable accommodation with good reviews and using Google Maps for getting around without looking lost, which can make you more vulnerable.

In short: I’d rate it 7.5/10 for solo safety – but a full 10/10 for experience!

An Overview: Top 10 Things To Do in Montenegro

Here is a brief overview of the top 10 things to do in Montenegro – we’ll be covering all of this and so much more in this one week Montenegro itinerary!

1. Wander the streets of Kotor Old Town
2. Take a boat to Our Lady of the Rocks
3. Swim or sunbathe at Mogren Beach in Budva
4. Stroll Perast’s charming waterfront
5. Visit Lovcen National Park
6. Get to know Kotor’s furry residents
7. Get out on the water and explore Boka Bay
8. Visit St Tryphon Cathedral
9. Climb the Fortress above Kotor
10. Visit the Black Lake in Durmitor National Park

Want more detail on all of these things to do (and more)? Check this out: 14 Best Things to Do in Kotor Montenegro (Don’t Miss These!)

Day 1: Arrive in Kotor

Your flight or bus times will dictate how much time you have to explore your new surroundings on your first day. In my case, my flight landed at 12:45pm local time, but from there I also had to factor in clearing passport control and picking up my transfer from Tivat airport to Kotor. If you are travelling from Podgorica airport, this phase of the journey will take longer.

I would also advise that you drop your luggage off at your accommodation or check in and settle into your new home for the week before heading out to explore Kotor, due to the crowds. Trust me, hauling a suitcase through tourists all wanting the perfect photo is not easy or fun!

Because of these differing logistics, we’re going to keep day one light and open. Here are a few suggestions for your first day in Montenegro:

• Purposefully get lost within the walls of Kotor old town: One of my favourite ways to explore a new place as soon as I arrive is to purposefully get lost (don’t worry – Kotor is small and confined, so you can’t actually get lost!) As you walk without a plan, you can simply enjoy the atmosphere or take mental (or physical) notes of where you would like to come back to and explore further.
• Climb the San Giovanni fortress: If you are in the mood to get some exercise in after a long day of travelling, why not stretch your legs by climbing up to San Giovanni fortress. The best time of day to complete the climb is just before sunset, when it is cooler, there are less crowds, and you’ll get a spectacular view from the summit. Please note, however, that this hike is not easy. There are 1300 steep steps (that are often slippery) to get to the top. You do also have to pay in cash to use the main trail.
• Enjoy drinks or lunch outside: Kotor old town has plenty of options for quaint, outdoor drinking or dining. Grab yourself an outside table and use the time to watch the world go by as you enjoy local Montenegrin wine and cuisine.
• Relax at your accommodation: After enjoying purposefully getting lost on a short walk around the old town, I chose to relax at my Airbnb and watch the world go by from my balcony for the rest of my day one. Often, all you want to do after a tiring day of travelling is unwind – so give yourself permission to do just that, Montenegro style!

Day 2: Explore Kotor and Take a Half-Day Trip to Beautiful Perast

am – Properly Explore Old Town Kotor

I’m assuming that your reasons for wanting to visit Montenegro have more than a little to do with the charming town you will wake up in on day 2 of your 7-day trip to this small European country. The old town of Kotor is famous around the world for its storybook charm, cobbled streets and quaint churches.

The best time to explore (and experience the best of) Kotor is early in the morning, before the cruise ships and day trippers arrive – and, to be honest, before most of the tourists staying within the city walls wake up. I woke up early and left my Airbnb at around 8am and had a good hour where it felt like it was just me and the locals – both feline and human!

During my trip, I visited the old town during three different times of day: before 9am, at around 12pm, and in the evening (around 7pm,) and the early morning was the only time it wasn’t completely overrun with people. So, to get the most out of your visit and leave with the best experiences: visit as early in the morning as you can.

These are the best things to see in Kotor old town:

• Saint Tryphon Cathedral
• Old Town Square
• St. Luka’s Church
• Church of St. Nicholas
• Sea Gate
• Walk the city walls

These are the best things to do in Kotor old town:

• Visit St Tryphon Cathedral: Built in 1166, this cathedral is a stunning example of Romanesque architecture. You can visit the interior of this spectacular cathedral every day between 9am and 6pm. At the time of writing, entrance costs 3 euros per person and is payable in cash.
• Get to know the locals: (And by locals, I mean the cats!) You can see them around every corner in Kotor’s old town, but where is the best place to see Kotor’s cats? Let me let you in on my favourite place: the small park on Trg od drva (just behind the Church of St. Mary Collegiate.) There is also an entire museum dedicated to Kotor’s cats, which is well worth a visit during your trip to Kotor.
• You could also climb San Giovanni Fortress if you didn’t get to that the day before.

Katie’s Top Tip: Explore Kotor early in the morning before the tour buses arrive. With Perast, I found that it was just fine in the afternoon – bustling, but not too busy.

pm – Visit Beautiful Perast

By the time the late morning, early afternoon rolls around, you’ll start to see why I’ve been harping on about visiting the old town early in the morning! The day trippers will have arrived, hotel guests will be out and about, and chances are a cruise ship will have also docked in Boka Bay. If you’re anything like me, you’ll likely be thinking it’s a good time to leave!

If so, I have the perfect afternoon destination for you: Perast – a quaint waterfront town, with quiet churches, beautiful examples of Baroque architecture, lazy waterfront cafes and an uninterrupted view of the bay.

How to get to Perast from Kotor

To get to Perast from Kotor without a car, take the Blue Line Kotor to Perast bus. This local service takes around 30 minutes and stops in front of St. Nicholas’ Church in the centre of the town. In Kotor, the bus picks you up not far from Sea Gate – at a stop marked as “Bus Stop to Perast and Risan” on Google Maps. There is no official timetable for the bus, but it runs pretty regularly – usually every hour on weekdays and every two hours on weekends. Make sure you bring cash for the bus fare, which costs a couple of euros at time of writing.

These are the best things to do in Perast:

• Stroll along the waterfront promenade
• Admire the many Baroque palaces: Bujović Palace, Lučić-Kolović-Matikola Palace, Smekja Palace, Brajković-Martinović Palace, Visković Palace, Balović Palace, Šestokrilović Palace and Bronza Palace.
• Tour Perast’s magnificent churches: the Church of St. John the Baptist, St Nicholas’ Catholic Church and Saint Mark’s Church.
• Visit the Perast Museum, located in the stunning Bujović Palace.

You can also take a water taxi to Our Lady of the Rocks on the island of Ostrvo, but this spectacular church is included for free as part of a full day boat trip on day six of this Montenegro itinerary, so I would skip it for now and just admire the views of the island from Perast!

Day 3: Durmitor National Park

After a relaxing day yesterday, strolling the streets of old town Kotor and enjoying the panoramic views of the bay from Perast, it’s time to step this Montenegro itinerary up a notch with your first full day tour! Let’s head to one of Montenegro’s most famous national parks: Durmitor National Park.

At time of writing, the tour start time is approximately 7:10am, but you will be given an exact time by your tour provider. When I took this tour, we started off by driving in a comfortable bus via spectacular photo stops overlooking Perast and the Bay of Kotor, until we reached a breakfast stop in Nikšić. There is nothing to do in Nikšić, but you can purchase breakfast or a drink, or use one of the outside benches to eat your own packed snacks. This is what I did as I ate before the tour.

The first official stop is at the spectacular Tara River Canyon, where you can walk the length of the Tara Canyon bridge or – for all my thrill seekers out there – pay extra to zipline across the canyon! The views from the bridge, overlooking the river flowing through the canyon below, are spectacular – and because this stop is more than just a brief photo opportunity, you have plenty of time to take it all in.

Back on the bus, it’s time to drive to what was my trip highlight – the Black Lake. Enroute, you get another quick photo stop overlooking Salty Lake, before entering the national park. At this point, entrance fees for the national park will be collected on the bus (5 euros per person,) so make sure you have cash with you.

I’ve got to admit, I was a little worried that the Black Lake wouldn’t live up to the hype – or that it would be overrun with tourists because I was visiting with a guided tour – but it didn’t disappoint. The lake wasn’t at all crowded despite it being peak time when we arrived (mid-September,) and the scenery itself is every travellers’ dream.

Once you’re at the Black Lake, you can choose to just stand back and admire the view – and of course take lots of photos! Or you can opt for a walk, either a short distance or a full circuit. I chose to only walk a short distance along the bank as I had a foot injury at the time and therefore was wearing totally inappropriate shoes to tackle the rocky and sometimes steep terrain. However, I know plenty of my fellow travellers on that day did complete the full route and really enjoyed it – so it’s up to you!

The final stop on this full day tour is the very moving Ostrog Monastery, built high up in the clouds and into the mountainside. The drive is hair-raising but I felt very safe with our driver – and the views from the top are spectacular and definitely worth a few white-knuckle moments on the way up! You can also go inside the monastery and get a blessing from one of the resident monks, if you wish.

Ostrog Monastery is still a very popular religious site for pilgrims to this day and on this tour you will arrive in the late afternoon, where you will witness some of these pilgrims making the final steep ascent on foot to the top, where they sleep out under the stars for the night.  

After your visit to Ostrog Monastery, the tour will drop you back outside the walls of old town Kotor at around 8pm.

How to get to Durmitor National Park Without a Car

A guided tour of the Durmitor National Park and Lake Skadar National Park is the only viable way to see this spectacular natural side of Montenegro without a car. It is a very long day, at 13 hours round trip from Kotor but, in my opinion, well worth a day of your Montenegro itinerary. During my visit, I chose this tour (which I highly recommend,) which includes all of the photo stops I mentioned, plus plenty of free time to explore the Black Lake, Tara Canyon Bridge and Ostrog Monastery.

Katie’s Top Tip: Be aware that this is a very long day trip (the longest of this itinerary.) Make sure you bring plenty of water and snacks, as well as comfortable clothing and good, sturdy walking shoes.

Day 4: The Beaches and Old Town of Budva

After that long full-day tour yesterday, a relaxing beach and cultural day in Budva is the perfect respite. Budva has everything you could wish for in a town – charming old streets, beautiful churches and, of course, the beaches it’s famous for. In particular, Mogren Beach is the most beautiful beach in Budva (and arguably in the whole of Montenegro,) and is well worth a visit for swimming in the crystal clear waters, sunbathing on the golden sands or, at the very least, an extended photo stop.

For more old town vibes, leave the beach behind you and head into the streets of Budva. Just a few steps back from Mogren Beach you’ll get lost down charming alleyways, come across old stone churches and stumble into gorgeous town squares.

Budva has a very chill vibe, so today make it your mission to embrace that – Montenegro style! If sunbathing on the beach or swimming in the Montenegrin sea is calling your name, definitely check out Mogren Beach. And if you can’t quite get enough of Montenegro’s old towns, then Old Town Budva is a must-see – you could easily spend a few hours wandering the streets, sitting in the squares or enjoying local food and drink at one of the many cafes.

These are the best things to do in Budva in one day (that you absolutely should not miss):

• Relax at Mogren Beach
• Visit the Citadela Fortress
• Marvel at the Church of the Holy Trinity
• Admire the City Walls
• See the Budva Ballerina

How to Get to Budva From Kotor Without a Car?

You can take a taxi all the way from Kotor to Budva, but the most affordable method of transport is the local bus, which departs from Kotor bus station. The bus journey to Budva takes approximately 45 minutes and there are plenty of daily departures – so there’s no need to plan in advance if you’re craving a slower, more relaxed morning! In Budva, the bus stops at Budva’s bus station, which is a 20 minute walk to Budva old town.

Day 5: Cetinje & Lovcen National Park

Ready for another day trip to explore Montenegro’s inner national parks? Lovcen National Park is Montenegro’s most popular – and a must-see for all visitors to the country!

Lovcen National Park and its surrounding areas are home to some of Montenegro’s top tourist attractions, including Mount Lovcen and Njegos Mausoleum, Kotor’s Serpentine Road, and the beautiful town of Cetinje. 1.5 hours outside of Lovcen National Park, you can also find the famous Lake Skadar National Park. This is another long day trip from Kotor, lasting around 12 hours, but is well worth the effort.

Starting at 9am from Kotor Old Town, the tour will first either take you up Kotor Cable Car or drive the winding serpentine road (complete with 16 hairpin turns!) On the day I visited, the cable car was closed due to winds, so I got to experience the thrill of Montenegro’s most famous road. The drive is hair-raising, to say the least, but I always felt very safe in the hands of our experienced local driver and guide.

On the way to the top of the serpentine road, you make a stop at a road side viewpoint to take photos looking down on Kotor and Boka Bay. It truly is the most spectacular view in Montenegro! And whether your tour takes the cable car or the serpentine road, the views are equally stunning.

The first official stop on the tour – and for many, the highlight of the tour –  is the Njegos Mausoleum in Lovćen National Park. The view from Njegos Mausoleum is spectacular and well worth the effort it takes to get up there. At the top, you can also visit inside the small mausoleum. Both the viewpoint and mausoleum are only reachable by climbing 461 covered steps – which is a lot, but still much fewer than Kotor’s 1300 steps to San Giovanni Fortress!

Next, in Lake Skadar National Park, the best way to admire the beauty is from the water. I chose this specific tour because it includes a boat ride from the small town of bijeka Crnojevića, where you’ll also have time to buy lunch if you wish. Enroute, you’ll also have another stunning photo stop at Pavlova Strana Rijeka Crnojeviča Viewpoint, to see the postcard-worthy bend in the River Crnojević. This spot is so well-loved by locals that the view is often seen as a symbol of Montenegro.

The final stop in this tour is the historic town of Cetinje, where the guide shares more about the history on a walking tour of the key sights. These include the Cetinje Monastery, Castle Church, Vladika’s Garden and The Blue Palace.

On the way back to Kotor, we made one final bonus stop on the road above Budva to witness a glorious Montenegrin sunset. It was the perfect end to a lovely day trip!

How to get to Lovcen National Park Without a Car

A combined guided tour of both Lovcen and Skadar Lake National Parks is what I would recommend, to make the most of your week in Montenegro. During my visit, I chose this full day tour that covers all of the key sites of both national parks. Everything is included apart from food and entrance fees totalling €16 at time of writing (€11 for Lovcen National Park and the Mausoleum, €5 for Skadar Lake National Park.) I had an incredible day and 100% recommend the tour!

Day 6: Boka Bay Full Day Boat Tour

I’ve got to admit, this full day boat tour was the highlight of my entire Montenegro itinerary. I wholeheartedly believe that the best way to experience a coastal country is from the water – and with this boat tour, I was proven right!

The tour starts at 9am and lasts 8 hours. You spend most of your time relaxing on the boat which, in my opinion, is the perfect way to spend your final full day in Montenegro. There are also stops at the spectacular Our Lady of The Rocks church, in the luxury town of Porto Montenegro and swimming stops if you wish, both in the Blue Cave and out in the bay.

After sailing a for short while through the stunning Bay of Kotor, passing the huge Virgin cruise ship moored out in the bay and taking in the unparalleled coastal scenery, Our Lady of the Rocks and the charming town of Perast came into view, marking our first stop. Skip the line entrance is included with this boat tour, so you can explore the tiny church and museum, as well as learn about the fascinating history of the island from your guide. There is also plenty of time to take photos looking back across the water to Perast, before the boat returns to continue the day.

After leaving Our Lady of the Rocks church, a glass of complementary champagne is offered and you have some time to sunbathe or continue to take photos of the ever-changing scenery passing by, before the first swim stop out in the bay.

Then, on the way to the iconic Blue Cave, you pass the former fortified prison and concentration camp, Mamula and learn about its history via a short commentary from your guide. The Blue Cave itself is stunning and another popular spot for swimming, as the boat cannot go directly inside the cave.

Finally, after a morning of sunbathing, swimming and culture, the opulent town of Porto Montenegro – home to Montenegro’s wealthy, tourist superyachts, high-end stores and award-winning restaurants – is the perfect spot to find a late lunch. You can choose to people watch with a packed lunch by the water or dine at one of the promenade restaurants recommended by the local guide. There will also be plenty of time to explore, especially if you choose to bring your own food, so I recommend you take a walk down to the marina to admire the spectacular display of boats and yachts before your own boat takes you back to Kotor.

Day 7: Your Final Moments in Kotor

We’ve now come to the end of our 7 day Montenegro itinerary. Depending on your onward transport times, you may have some time left in the beautiful town of Kotor, or you may not. If you do have a few hours to spare, I would recommend revisiting your highlights from Kotor old town. Your favourite cafe, re-touring the stunning stone churches or walking the city walls. Whatever your favourite spot was, I can’t think of a more fitting way to spend the final hours of this itinerary.

For my trip, I spent a couple of my final hours in the city retracing my steps in Kotor old town, in particular visiting the cats in the beautiful park on Trg od drva (just behind the Church of St. Mary Collegiate.) I also walked the city walls one final time to take in views of the town and the bay, before heading to the bus station to catch an onward connection to Dubrovnik, where I continued my trip through Croatia.

Whether you’re flying home or continuing your travels into any of Montenegro’s neighbouring Balkan countries, I truly hope you have loved this week as much as I did when I visited!

If you have a bit longer in this beautiful country, check out this blog post for more ideas for day trips from Kotor and this blog post for a comprehensive list of the 14 best things to do in Kotor.

Let’s Wrap This Montenegro Itinerary Up!

You don’t need a car or an over-packed schedule to experience the very best of Montenegro. This Montenegro itinerary proves that, with a bit of planning and insider local knowledge, you can enjoy a slower, more authentic travel experience in this beautiful country – without sacrificing those must-see sights. From waking up to the ringing of the old bells of St Tryphon Cathedral to sailing the bay toward a truly unique floating island church, you’ll find beauty in every moment of your trip!

When are you heading on your trip to Montenegro? What are you most looking forward to experiencing from this Montenegro itinerary? Let me know in the comments! Or feel free to ask anything you’re still wondering about below – I love chatting all things travel!

Discover More of Beautiful Montenegro:

• How to Plan the Perfect Montenegro Day Trip from Dubrovnik
• 10 Magical Day Trips from Kotor, Montenegro You’ll Never Forget
• 14 Best Things To Do in Kotor, Montenegro (Don’t Miss These!)
• Perfect 7-Day Montenegro Itinerary Without a Car

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