Ultimate 7 Days in Montenegro Itinerary Without a Car (2026)

Dreaming of exploring every beautiful corner of Montenegro, but dreading the thought of driving in a country famous for its Serpentine Road with 16 tight hairpin bends?

Same here – and this 7-day Montenegro itinerary was made for you (no car needed!)

During my first trip to Montenegro as a solo female traveller, I decided to ditch the FOMO and try to plan my perfect itinerary without driving.

And it ended up being WAY easier (and way more enjoyable!) than I ever expected.

Instead of stressing over mountain roads, parking and border crossings, I spent my trip exploring Kotor’s quiet stone streets at sunrise, taking local buses along the bay, joining scenic day tours to national parks, and sailing the Bay of Kotor on a catamaran.

This itinerary is perfect if you want to experience more than just rushed photo stops.

Because yes, you’ll see the highlights, from Kotor Old Town to Budva’s beaches, but you’ll also experience the slower, quieter stops that made me fall completely in love with this underrated Balkan country!

Now, let’s get into my exact 7 days in Montenegro itinerary without a car!

Montenegro Itinerary: Map & Overview

Montenegro Itinerary Map

To make it easier to follow along and plan your trip, I’ve also created a map of all of the sites you’ll see in this itinerary!

7-Day Montenegro Itinerary Without A Car

Day 1: Arrive in Kotor + Explore the Old Town

I’m going to assume you have exactly one week in Montenegro, so your flight or bus times will dictate how much time you have to explore Kotor on your first day.

When I visited Montenegro, my flight landed at 12:45pm, but then I also had to factor in clearing passport control and picking up my transfer from Tivat airport to Kotor.

So by the time I arrived in Kotor Old Town, a good chunk of the afternoon had already disappeared!

And if you are arriving from Podgorica airport or even neighbouring Dubrovnik in Croatia, this phase of the journey will take longer.

So instead of trying to cram everything in on day one, I recommend treating your first afternoon as a slow, relaxed introduction to Montenegro.

Katie’s Top Tip: 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 taking photos is not easy or fun!

If You Arrive in Kotor Early

If you do land earlier in the day and have the energy to explore after travelling, the best way to settle in is to wander Kotor’s Old Town without a map or plan.

Seriously, Kotor is one of those places that feels made for getting lost in!

(Although don’t worry – Kotor Old Town is very small, so you can’t actually get lost!)

Tiny stone alleyways open onto hidden squares, cats nap on the doorsteps, and every street is somehow more beautiful than the last!

In fact, one of my favourite things I did on this entire trip to Montenegro was simply that first afternoon, walking around without a plan.

Plus, Kotor has LOADS of options for outdoor drinking or dining with a view.

So you could equally just grab yourself an outside table and use the time to watch the world go by as you enjoy local Montenegrin wine and cuisine!

I highly recommend La Catedral Pasta Bar – the food is out of this world good and the outdoor seating is located in the most adorable cobbled side street!

💛 Want a more detailed look at the highlights of Kotor Old Town? Read my full guide to the best things to do in Kotor.

Optional: Climb the San Giovanni Fortress

If you are in the mood to get some exercise in after a long day of travelling, stretch your legs by climbing to San Giovanni Fortress!

The best time of day to complete the climb is just before sunset, when it is cooler, there are fewer crowds, and you’ll get a spectacular view from the summit.

Just know that this hike is NOT easy. There are 1300 steep steps to get to the top. And you also have to pay in cash to use the trail.

I was sadly unable to do the hike during my trip, due to a foot injury, but it is 100% on my bucket list for next time!

If You Arrive in Kotor Late

If, like me, you arrive in Kotor later in the day, don’t worry about missing out!

One of the things I loved most about Montenegro was how easy it felt to slow down.

After a short, 20-minute walk around the old town to stretch my legs, I ended up spending most of my first evening sitting on the tiny balcony of my apartment, listening to live music on the streets below and watching the cruise crowds slowly disappear.

Often, all you want to do after a tiring day of travelling is unwind – so give yourself permission to do just that if you need to!

Katie’s Top Tip: Kotor gets dramatically busier once the cruise ship passengers and day trippers arrive, so don’t worry if your first day feels a little overwhelming. Tomorrow morning is when you’ll really get to experience the quieter, more magical side of the old town!

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

Morning: Explore Kotor Before The Crowds Arrive

I’m assuming that your reasons for wanting to visit Montenegro have more than a little to do with the charming old town you will wake up in on day 2 of this itinerary!

Kotor Old Town is famous around the world for its storybook charm, cobbled stone streets and quaint churches.

But if you only take one piece of advice from this itinerary, please: wake up early!

Seriously.

Because Kotor completely changes (and not for the better) once the cruise ships and day-trippers from Dubrovnik arrive.

When I visited Montenegro in September, I explored the old town at three very different times of day: early morning, midday and evening.

And the ONLY time it wasn’t overwhelmingly overrun with people was in the early morning.

So I woke up early, left my apartment around 8am, and had a good hour or so where it felt like it was just me and the locals – both feline and human!

Katie’s Top Tip: If you want to experience the most beautiful side of Kotor, the early morning (at least before 10am) is the time to visit.

What To Do In Kotor Old Town

You could easily lose track of time wandering Kotor’s maze-like streets, but I found that I only needed around 2 hours to see the highlights, take photos and relax on the city walls.

Kotor Old Town is famously small, after all!

Some of my favourite things to do on my early morning walk around Kotor were:

• Getting lost down the quieter, cobbled side streets
• Visiting St Tryphon Cathedral
• Admiring the very different architecture of St. Luka’s Church and St. Nicholas Church
• Walking the open sections of the Kotor City Walls
• And, of course, meeting Kotor’s most famous residents…

And yes, the cats really are everywhere in Kotor!

You can see them around every corner in the old town, but my favourite spot was the small, shaded park on Trg od drva, just behind the Church of St Mary Collegiate.

I actually ended up coming back to this park a lot during my trip because it always seemed peaceful, even when the rest of the old town was busy.

But my favourite moment will always be sitting in the park just after 8am, with absolutely no one else around, and watching the most adorable grey kitten play!

There is even an entire museum dedicated to Kotor’s cats, which is well worth a visit too!

P.S. I haven’t structured this Kotor walk in any particular order, as the old town is so small, you’ll naturally stumble across most of these sights anyway. But if you want a more guided approach, don’t forget to download the Montenegro itinerary map I created for you!

💛 If you want a more detailed guide to Kotor, I’ve written a full post sharing the best things to do in Kotor, from the must-sees to the tucked-away hidden gems!

Afternoon: Escape The Crowds in Perast

By late morning, you’ll start to see why I’ve spent so much time recommending you visit Kotor Old Town early in the morning!

The day trippers from Dubrovnik will have arrived, hotel guests are out and about, and chances are a cruise ship (or two) will have also docked in the bay.

If you’re anything like me, you’ll likely be thinking it’s a good time to leave!

So for the afternoon, I recommend escaping to nearby Perast.

Because where Kotor is crowded in the afternoons, charming Perast feels much slower, quieter and more relaxed.

The waterfront is lined with elegant former palaces and quiet cafés, perfect for an afternoon drink with one of the most spectacular views of the Bay of Kotor!

And I honestly loved slowing down in Perast after exploring the busier streets of Kotor.

How To Get From Kotor To Perast Without a Car

Getting to Perast from Kotor is very easy without a car.

The local Blue Line bus takes around 30 minutes and departs from the stop nearest to Sea Gate in Kotor Old Town. You can see it here on Google Maps.

There is no official timetable for the bus, which I found a little unsettling (!!), but it runs pretty regularly – usually every hour on weekdays and every two hours on weekends.

Just make sure you bring cash for the bus fare, which costs a couple of euros.

What To Do In Perast

Perast is much smaller than Kotor, which makes it perfect for a slower afternoon.

Some of my highlights in Perast were:

• Walking along the beautiful promenade, lined by former Baroque palaces
• Photographing Our Lady of the Rocks island church from the shore
• Enjoying the most delicious gelato from a little stall by the water
• Admiring the most spectacular views of the Bay of Kotor

If you enjoy history and architecture, you can also visit the Perast Museum inside Bujović Palace or visit some of the town’s beautiful churches.

💛 Want a more detailed look at the highlights of Perast? Read my full guide to the best things to do in Perast.

Katie’s Top Tip: During your visit, you’ll see lots of water taxis advertising trips to Our Lady of the Rocks. But personally, I’d save it for day six of this itinerary, when it’s included as part of the full Bay of Kotor boat tour. The views from the shore are still beautiful, and it saves you paying twice!

Day 3: Durmitor National Park Day Trip

After a relaxing day yesterday, exploring Kotor and Perast, it’s time to experience a completely different side of Montenegro.

Today, you’ll leave the coast behind and head deep into the mountains on a full-day tour to Durmitor National Park – famous for its dramatic viewpoints, glacial lakes, winding mountain roads and some of the wildest scenery in Montenegro!

What To Expect On The Tour

When I joined this tour in September, we started at a spectacular photo stop overlooking the Bay of Kotor, called the Boka Kotorska Observation Platform.

It was the perfect way to start the day, and honestly, one of the most beautiful vantage points I’ve seen overlooking the bay!

The first official stop is at the Tara River Canyon, which is the deepest canyon in Europe and the second in the world after the Grand Canyon.

It is truly incredible to see!

You’ll have time to walk the length of the Tara Canyon bridge and take lots of photos, or – if you’re braver than me – you can even pay extra to zipline across the canyon!

The scenery somehow keeps getting better as the day goes on, though!

Because, for me, the highlight of this entire trip was seeing the Black Lake.

I’ve got to admit, I was worried the Black Lake wouldn’t live up to the hype – or that it would be overrun with tourists because I was visiting with a tour – but it didn’t disappoint!

If you enjoy walking, you can also walk a full circuit around the lake during your visit.

I only walked a short distance along the bank, as I had a foot injury and was wearing totally inappropriate shoes to tackle the rocky and sometimes steep terrain.

BUT, 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!

Regardless, even a short walk here is enough to appreciate how beautiful the landscape is!

Katie’s Top Tip: Before you get to the Black Lake, the entrance fee for the national park will be collected on the bus, so make sure you have CASH (euros) with you. You’ll be told the exact amount when you book, but for me it was only 5€.

The final stop on this full-day tour is the Ostrog Monastery, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Balkans.

And, built high up into the mountainside, it is breathtakingly beautiful!

The drive is definitely hair-raising, but I always felt safe with our driver – and the views from the top are 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 monks, if you wish.

After Ostrog Monastery, the tour will drop you back in Kotor at around 8pm.

As I said before, please don’t wait until you get to Kotor to reserve your spot. It is very popular. Reserve your Durmitor National Park tour online here!

How To Visit Durmitor National Park Without a Car

A guided tour of Durmitor National Park is the only viable way to see this spectacular, natural side of Montenegro without a car.

It is a very long day (13 hours round trip from Kotor), but, in my opinion, well worth a day of your Montenegro itinerary!

This is the exact tour I booked during my trip, and I genuinely loved it. It includes stops at Tara River Canyon, the Black Lake and Ostrog Monastery, with enough free time throughout the day that it never felt rushed.

💛 If you want a full breakdown of every stop, what to pack and whether the tour is really worth it, I’ve also written a detailed guide to the Durmitor National Park day trip from Kotor.

Day 4: Budva Day Trip From Kotor

After yesterday’s long adventure into the mountains, today we’re slowing the pace down again with a relaxing beach and cultural day in Budva.

Compared to Kotor, Budva is much more beachy and relaxed, and I loved spending the morning exploring the charming old town and the afternoon swimming in the Adriatic!

It’s one of the easiest and most enjoyable day trips from Kotor without a car.

Morning: Explore Budva Old Town

While Budva’s old town is much smaller than Kotor’s, it is still absolutely beautiful, with quaint cobbled streets and hidden-away squares to explore.

And like on my first day in Kotor, my favourite thing to do in Budva was simply to get lost in the backstreets without a map or a plan!

💛 But if you want a full list of the must-sees in this charming Adriatic old town, I also have a full guide to the best things to do in Budva here!

As you walk, you’ll come across tiny courtyards, old stone churches, and the most spectacular sea views.

Some of the main sights worth seeing include:

• The Citadela Fortress
• The Church of the Holy Trinity
• Budva’s city walls
• The famous Budva Ballerina statue along the coastal path

I highly recommend exploring Budva Old Town as soon as you arrive, as it will be quieter and, in my experience, you won’t feel much like exploring after relaxing on the beach!

Afternoon: Relax At Mogren Beach

If the weather is good, I highly recommend spending your afternoon at the most beautiful beach in Budva: Mogren Beach.

The water here is incredibly clear, and the whole setting is so dramatic, with the steep cliffs surrounding the beach on both sides (which is also great for shelter!)

Mogren is actually split into two beaches, Mogren Beach and Mogren 2 Beach, which are connected by a narrow, rocky walkway.

Both are beautiful, but when I visited, Mogren 2 Beach was significantly quieter.

I spent a lovely, relaxing afternoon here, swimming in the Adriatic and sunbathing on the beach, which was much-needed after yesterday’s long tour!

How To Get From Kotor To Budva Without a Car

The local bus departs from Kotor Bus Station and takes around 45 minutes to reach Budva Bus Station, which is a 20-minute walk to Budva Old Town.

There are plenty of daily departures, so there’s no need to plan in advance if you’re craving a slower morning!

Day 5: Lovćen & Lake Skadar National Park Day Trip

After yesterday’s slower beach day in Budva, it’s time for another Montenegro adventure!

Lovćen is Montenegro’s most popular national park, and on this day you’ll see a bit of everything that makes Montenegro so special:

• Dramatic mountain scenery
• Historic towns
• Panoramic viewpoints
• Peaceful time out on the water

Plus, Lovćen National Park and its surrounding areas are home to some of Montenegro’s top tourist attractions, including Mount Lovćen and the Njegos Mausoleum, Kotor’s Serpentine Road, and the beautiful town of Cetinje.

It’s a true must-see for all visitors to the country!

What To Expect On The Tour

Starting at 9am from Kotor, the tour will first either take you on the Kotor Cable Car OR drive the winding serpentine road (complete with 16 hairpin bends!)

When I visited, the cable car was closed due to wind, so I got to experience the thrill of driving Montenegro’s most famous road!

I’m not gonna lie: parts of the drive are a bit terrifying.

BUT, despite the steep drops and sharp turns, I always felt very safe in the hands of our experienced local driver, and the scenery the entire way up is unbelievably stunning!

Plus, on the way to the top of the Serpentine Road, you make a stop at a roadside viewpoint to take photos looking down on Kotor and Boka Bay.

And I think it might just be the most spectacular view in Montenegro:

The next stop, and one of the highlights of the tour, is Njegoš Mausoleum.

To reach it, you’ll climb 461 covered steps to the top of Mount Lovćen, and yes, your legs will absolutely feel it by the end!!

BUT the view at the top is more than worth the effort, I promise.

Standing above the mountains with panoramic views stretching across Montenegro’s countryside honestly felt surreal!

And you can also visit inside the mausoleum before heading back down.

Katie’s Top Tip: Before you get to the Mausoleum, the entrance fee will be collected on the bus, so make sure you have CASH (euros) with you. You’ll be told the exact amount when you book, but for me it was only 16€ for everything.

Next, the scenery changes completely again, entering Lake Skadar National Park.

One of my favourite stops was the Pavlova Strana viewpoint, where you see the famous horseshoe bend in the River Crnojević (one of Montenegro’s most photographed spots!)

In fact, it’s so well-loved by locals that the view is often seen as a symbol of Montenegro!

But by far the best way to admire the beauty of Lake Skadar is from the water.

I booked this specific tour simply because it includes a boat ride from the small riverside village of Rijeka Crnojevića.

Sailing along the river was so peaceful, the scenery is gorgeous, and you’ll even be able to spot thousands of water lilies here if you visit in summer.

And after the dramatic drive and viewpoints earlier, being out on the water, surrounded by mountains and lily pads, was a real highlight for me!

As I said before, please don’t wait until you get to Kotor to reserve your spot. It is very popular. Reserve your Lovćen National Park tour online here!

Before returning to Kotor, we also stopped in Cetinje, Montenegro’s historic royal capital.

This stop is all culture, and our guide shared a lot more about the fascinating history of Cetinje on a walking tour of the key sights, including Cetinje Monastery, Vladika’s Garden, and the Blue Palace!

How To Visit Lovćen & Lake Skadar Without a Car

A combined guided tour of Lovćen and Lake Skadar National Park is what I would recommend, to make the most of your one week in Montenegro.

During my solo trip to Montenegro, I booked this full-day tour, and loved how much variety it packed into the day without feeling rushed or overwhelming!

💛 If you want a full breakdown of every stop, what to pack and whether the tour is really worth it, I’ve also written a detailed guide to the Lovćen & Lake Skadar day trip from Kotor.

Day 6: Bay of Kotor Full-Day Boat Tour

I’ve got to admit, this was by FAR 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.

There’s just something so magical about seeing Montenegro from the water!

The mountains somehow look even more dramatic, tiny stone villages dot the shore, and you can only appreciate how spectacular the coastline is from a boat.

I’m telling you now, the views you get on land are gorgeous, but they don’t do the Bay of Kotor justice!

Plus, you spend most of your day relaxing on the comfortable, luxurious catamaran, which, in my opinion, is the dream way to spend your final full day in Montenegro!

What To Expect On The Tour

You spend most of the day cruising through the bay, swimming in the unbelievably clear water, stopping at tiny islands and enjoying the scenery from the deck.

It’s relaxing without ever feeling boring!

And honestly, my favourite moments weren’t even the stops; they were sitting on the boat, just watching the mountains pass by.

After sailing away from Kotor and passing the huge Virgin cruise ship moored out in the bay, Our Lady of the Rocks island church and 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 while learning about the fascinating history of the island from your guide.

Plus, this stop also has some of the best views back across the bay to Perast!

After leaving Our Lady of the Rocks, a glass of complimentary champagne is offered, and there is time to sunbathe (or continue taking photos of the ever-changing scenery!) before the first swim stop out in the bay.

I honestly wasn’t sure about swimming off the boat at first, but even out in the exposed waters of the bay in September, the sea was warm and calm.

There is also another swim opportunity at the striking Blue Cave, where you can swim inside the cave and admire the brilliantly blue water.

I was so glad I swam in the end, so make sure you bring swimwear (even if you’re not sure!)

As I said before, please don’t wait until you get to Kotor to reserve your spot. It is very popular. Reserve your Bay of Kotor tour online here!

Later in the day, after a morning of sunbathing, swimming and culture, the boat stops in Porto Montenegro – home to superyachts, high-end stores and award-winning restaurants.

It’s so completely, fascinatingly different to the old world charm of Kotor, Budva or Perast.

And the perfect spot to enjoy a late lunch with a view!

You can choose to people watch with a packed lunch by the water (this is what I did, I was on a budget!) or dine at one of the restaurants recommended by the guide.

There will also be time to explore, so I recommend you walk to the marina to admire the spectacular display of boats and yachts, before your own boat takes you back to Kotor.

The Bay of Kotor Boat Tour I Recommend

This is the exact Bay of Kotor boat tour I booked during my own trip, and it was the highlight of my entire time in Montenegro – I can’t fault it!

The balance of sightseeing, swimming, sunbathing and scenery was perfect!

💛 I’ve also written a full review of the Bay of Kotor boat tour if you want a more detailed breakdown of the stops, timings and what the experience was like.

Day 7: A Relaxed, Final Morning in Kotor

We’ve now come to the end of our incredible 7 days in Montenegro itinerary.

(Yep, I was sad too! I honestly never wanted to leave!)

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 highly recommend revisiting your highlights from Kotor Old Town.

Whether that’s your favourite cafe, visiting the Cat Museum, re-touring the stunning stone churches, or simply wandering the old town one more time…

Whatever your favourite spot was, I can’t think of a more fitting way to spend the final hours of this itinerary!

For me, my final morning was spent saying goodbye to my favourite feline friends!

I spent a couple of hours 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 walls one final time, for views of the old town and 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 Montenegro’s neighbouring Balkan countries, I truly hope you have loved this week as much as I did when I visited! 💛

Extending Your Montenegro Trip

If you have longer than one week in Montenegro, there’s still plenty more to explore beyond this itinerary.

I’d especially recommend:

• Adding extra days to relax around the Bay of Kotor
• Or combining Montenegro with Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina or Albania

I’ve also written more guides that will help you continue planning your trip:

• 15 Must-See Places To Visit in Montenegro You Can’t Miss
• 10 Magical Day Trips from Kotor, Montenegro You’ll Never Forget
• Where To Stay in Kotor, Montenegro (For Solo Travellers)
• The BEST Time to Visit Montenegro Without the Crowds (2026)

Planning Your Trip To Montenegro

Is One Week Enough Time in Montenegro?

Yes, absolutely!

With the right itinerary, 7 days in Montenegro is enough time to see the highlights of what makes this underrated Balkan country so special, without feeling rushed.

And that’s actually one of my favourite things about Montenegro:

Despite being a small country, it is SO varied!

One day you’re exploring the medieval streets of Kotor, and the next you’re admiring a glacial lake in Durmitor National Park or swimming in the Bay of Kotor!

And because this itinerary is based around staying in Kotor without a car, it also allows for a much slower and less stressful style of travel!

If you have longer than one week, that’s even better. But if 7 days is what you have, it’s still enough time to experience the very best of Montenegro.

How To Get To Montenegro Without a Car

There are three main ways to get to Montenegro without driving:

• Fly into Tivat
• Fly into Podgorica
• Fly into Dubrovnik, Croatia and then book a bus or transfer across the border

Flying into Tivat Airport

If you’re following this exact itinerary, Tivat is by far the easiest airport option.

It’s the closest airport to Kotor, with transfers taking as little as 10–15 minutes.

This is the airport I used during my trip, and as a solo traveller arriving in a completely new country, I really liked how quick and easy the transfer process was after landing.

Tivat is highly seasonal, though, with most flights operating between May and September.

Flying into Podgorica Airport

If you’re travelling outside peak season, Podgorica is the better choice.

Flights operate more consistently throughout the year, although the journey to Kotor is much longer (usually 2 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and bus connections).

Travelling From Dubrovnik To Montenegro

Many travellers (including me!) also combine Montenegro with Croatia.

If you’re already visiting Dubrovnik, it’s very easy to continue to Kotor by bus or transfer.

The journey usually takes around 2.5 hours, although border crossing delays can sometimes make it longer during the peak summer season.

I actually travelled to Dubrovnik myself after this itinerary, and the route is incredibly scenic!

How to Get Around Montenegro Without a Car

One of the biggest misconceptions about Montenegro is that you need a car to see it properly.

But, as you might have guessed, I completely disagree!

Because, while driving does give you more flexibility, Montenegro is actually much easier to navigate without a car than you might expect – especially if you base yourself in Kotor.

If you want a more detailed breakdown of public transport routes, tours and taxis, I’ve also written a full guide on how to get around Montenegro without a car.

Walking in Montenegro

Montenegro is a very walkable country when you get to your destination.

Its most popular towns – Kotor, Perast and Budva – are small and contained, and often not car-friendly anyway, due to pedestrianised streets.

Plus, it is also typical for all of the main tourist sights to be located in one area – usually the town’s old town.

Using Buses in Montenegro

For independent day trips, buses are your best friend!

The coastal towns of Kotor, Perast and Budva are all well connected by affordable local buses, making them easy to visit without driving.

During my trip, I used buses several times and found them straightforward, inexpensive and surprisingly reliable overall (despite some lack of timetables!)

Just make sure you carry cash in euros, especially for smaller local routes.

Using Taxis in Montenegro

Taxis are also relatively affordable compared to many other European destinations, especially for shorter journeys around Kotor and Tivat.

I recommend Red Taxi or Dijr Taxi.

Guided Tours in Montenegro

For national parks like Durmitor and Lovćen, guided tours are the best option without a car.

They allow you to experience some pretty intimidating mountain roads with experienced local drivers, instead of attempting them yourself.

And as someone who was VERY nervous about Montenegro’s famous Serpentine Road before visiting, I was very happy to leave the driving to somebody else!

I recommend this tour to Lovćen National Park and this tour to Durmitor National Park.

Where to Stay in Montenegro Without A Car

For this itinerary, Kotor is by far the best base in Montenegro without a car.

It’s walkable, well-connected to day trips and buses, and beautiful in its own right (wandering the old town in the evenings became one of my favourite parts of the trip!)

I personally stayed inside Kotor Old Town and absolutely loved the experience, especially waking up each morning to the sound of church bells from St Tryphon Cathedral!

• Cattaro Studio Apartments (where I stayed!)
• Hotel Monte Cristo, Kotor Old Town

But if you prefer somewhere slightly quieter and more affordable, Dobrota is also a great option. It’s just outside the old town and still gives you easy access to Kotor on foot.

• Solaris Lux Apartments, Dobrota

I’ve also written a full guide on where to stay in Kotor for solo travellers, including the exact area and hotels I personally recommend.

Is Montenegro Safe For Solo Travellers?

If you’re planning solo travel in Montenegro, you want to know whether it’s safe. Right?

Well, overall: yes, I found Montenegro to be (and feel) safe as a solo female traveller.

I visited in September and spent the entire trip travelling solo without a car, using buses and tours to get around, and I never had any issues.

The main tourist areas of Kotor, Perast and Budva are busy, walkable and generally very comfortable to explore alone, even in the evenings.

But Montenegro still feels a little rough around the edges in places compared to other European destinations, and I think it’s SO important to be honest about that.

Outside Kotor Old Town, especially, there were moments where I felt more aware of my surroundings and took extra precautions, like keeping valuables out of sight and avoiding walking outside the walls at night.

But overall, local people were kind, helpful and respectful throughout my trip, and I never experienced any issues.

For me personally, Montenegro was:

• 7.5/10 for solo female travel safety
• And 10/10 for overall experience!

If you’re nervous about travelling Montenegro alone, I’ve also written a much more detailed guide on solo female travel safety in Montenegro, including safety tips, stats and everything I wish I knew before visiting.

Montenegro Travel FAQs

Your 7-Day Montenegro Itinerary

Montenegro completely surprised me.

Before visiting, I expected to enjoy the beautiful scenery and charming old towns, but I definitely didn’t expect to fall in love as much as I did!

One day you’re swimming beneath towering mountains, and the next you’re driving through dramatic national parks or watching the sunset from high above the Bay of Kotor.

I loved the variety of this itinerary!

Yet, despite Montenegro’s reputation for dramatic roads and difficult driving, this itinerary proves that you genuinely do NOT need a car to experience the best of the country.

In fact, travelling more slowly without a car ended up being one of my favourite parts of the entire trip.

I hope this Montenegro itinerary helps you feel more confident planning your own trip to Montenegro, whether you’re travelling solo or visiting the Balkans for the first time!

Planning a trip to Montenegro? You might want to check out these posts next:

• The BEST Time to Visit Montenegro Without the Crowds (2026)
• Is Montenegro Safe for Solo Female Travellers? An Honest Guide
• Where To Stay in Kotor, Montenegro (For Solo Travellers)

Want a little extra support planning your next solo trip?

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• 7 Days To Your First Solo Trip (Even If You’re Anxious) Email Course
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