There are also some great tours available through Viator, which you may want to consider making time for before you leave. The small island retains its charm thanks to its 600 year old buildings with beautiful orange rooftops. I may receive a commission from purchases made through these links, at no additional cost to you. This is another win for Croatia here. That's Sr Hill (or Mount Sr, or Sr Mountain, or just SrI still haven't figured out which one it is). Mid-Range Boutique Hotel Vela Great modern rooms and apartments available Click here to view the brilliant Boutique Hotel Vela on Booking.com! It is one of the best places to visit in the Balkans and a great place to get your first impressions of Montenegro. In total the walk up should take around 45-60 minutes, although it can easily take longer dependent on photo stops. By now, you should have noticed the giant hill overlooking all of Dubrovnik. Budget Art Guesthouse A great budget option with some rooms that have views of Kotor Bay Click here to see the latest prices on Booking.com! This excursion will only take a few hours but is perfect for leaving behind the crowds in Kotor for a couple of hours in the afternoon. It brilliantly showcases the beauty of Montenegro, and in our opinion is one of the countrys must see spots. The waterfront is lined with docks and stairs that lead into the sea, which provide the perfect setting to jump in any time you please. I cant say enough about all the servers here, and the entire experience. Nothing makes me happier than capturing the world one destination at a time so make sure you follow me on my adventures! We've sifted through a wide range of multi-day guided tours, meticulously analyzing them based on service, price, guest ratings, and activities. An Adventurous World (2014-23). Fuel: Approximately $130 USD (gas is not cheap in Montenegro! Is Montenegro a Good Destination For Working Remotely? It is a very significant religious, cultural, and historical site in Montenegro that attracts thousands of locals and tourists each year. Before it becomes unbearably busy like Croatia. one week in croatia and montenegro - Solo Travel Forum The main alternative is to fly from Dubrovnik, but thankfully there are several buses running to there from Budva each day. The town is home to an old town with settlements dating back to 800BC, a 2,200-year-old olive tree and some great beaches. However, we had our Airbnb host order us a cab a couple times, and there are always plenty of drivers available for hire. If youre visiting, I would highly recommend taking a guided tour of the interior of the church, if possible. With that being said, I still felt way more secure in a bus than in a car. From Ostrog Monastery the closest city to spend the night in is Podgorica, which is 30 minutes from Ostrog. There is no shortage of places to take a dip in the Bay of Kotor. 1 Week Montenegro Itinerary | Best Attractions And Things To Do If you want to do more than simply admire the views and youre feeling brave enough then you can pay to do a zip-line straight across the canyon! Montenegro is fairly cheap, compared to most European countries Ive visited. In 7 days in Montenegro, you can discover Old Town Kotor, Perast, and Old Town Budva, and visit the stunning national parks in the interior, such as Lovcen, Lake Skadar, and Durmitor. We are staying one week in quiet Bol at island Brac, but we want to visit Montenegro. Alternatively, if youre not one who can sit still, put on your walking shoes and follow the coastline to some of the abandoned beaches and coves along the way. You can hop in and out of the small cafes (or bars, depending on your beverage of preference on a sunny afternoon! Renting a car from a neighboring European country and driving into Montenegro is another great option. Skip to content Shop my Scandinavia guide with 200+ tips and map InstagramLinkedinPinterest-pFacebook-fEnvelope Meet Madeline She loves befriending dogs, drinking coffee, geeking out about wine, and cooking food from around the world. Hello, interesting read. However, if its out of the main tourist season, I would say Kotor. My biggest Montenegro tip. Start day 5 of your one week Montenegro itinerary off by checking out of your accommodation and making your way to the nearby town of Budva. However, the town itself (also worth noting a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is tiny. Theres still time in the day for one more stop, the impressive Ostrog Monastery one of the most important religious sites in the Balkans. Is there a public transportation system in Montenegro? However, if you want to get to Kolain quicker there is a more direct route, which doesnt involve the initial drive along the shoreline (beautiful, but longer). Spending one week in Montenegro gives visitors enough time to see and experience quite a bit of the country, making it the perfect amount of time for a visit. Albania - 10 . Avala Resort and Villas Treat yourself to this beautiful resort on the beach with an amazing pool and views of Budva Old Town Click here to book a luxurious stay at the amazing Avala Resort and Villas on Booking.com! Kolain is a ski resort in the winter, but in summer its a gorgeous hiking location. For more detailed information on accommodation options check out our guide to the best places to stay in Kotor! There are a couple spots along the Perast waterfront to rent kayaks, which we took advantage of. Verdict honours even, but maybe Croatia nudges it? Click here to take a look at a variety of interesting tours available on the Viator website! Much cheaper too, with overall less tourists and crowds. Flights to Dubrovnik are often cheaper as more European airports have direct flights to the city. Located a one-hour drive from Kotor is the famous and stunning Lovcen National Park. One Week in Croatia: Ultimate 7 Day Croatia Itinerary - That Travelista Bar is an old town that sits along the Adriatic Sea and has some very unique and interesting offerings. And which would be less crowded in August? Neither country is in the EU, so this can make border crossing a little more tricky and time-consuming (yet are still relatively easy compared to Asia or Latin America). Click here to book an amazing whitewater rafting trip through the Tara River Canyon! This spot provides the perfect spot to lounge, swim and indulge in drinks by the sea. In comparison, the River Cijevna Waterfall (otherwise known as the Montenegrin Niagara Falls) is impressive but its not even in the same league. This makes a Montenegro road trip, traveling to various cities and different areas, easy, quick, and efficient. If you need a little rest stop, aim to pause in Niki for lunch which is around halfway to Kolain. Treat yourself! The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Montenegro Budva, Montenegro Ready for a 7-day journey to Montenegro that combines relaxation, adventure, and cultural discovery? A taxi journey from the airport to the Old Town should cost around 10 as long as you arrange through your accommodation in advance. Its also possible to get to Kotor over land if youre already in Montenegro or one of the nearby countries. When renting a car for a Montenegro road trip keep these tips in mind: A car will cost you around 30 per day, and fuel for a one-week road trip will be around 100 total. Back in the 1990s, Montenegro tied its currency to the Deutsche Mark, so when Germany joined the Euro in 2002 so did Montenegro. Last updated: January 3, 2023 Croatia Vs Montenegro: which one should you travel to? The mountains of Montenegro are incredible, so so so beautiful. Whatever you decide to do, its a great chance to enjoy some of the countrys excellent nature. This is considered to be one of the scariest roads in the world. The problem with this is it always seems so crowded with tourists, especially when cruise ship passengers spill out onto the streets and take over the town. Day 2: Zagreb, drive to Plitvice Lakes. Whilst wandering, be sure to enjoy the amazing mountainous scenery surrounding the town. However, Ive brought you this far and Im not going to be one of those bloggers who sits on the fence at the end of an article. The price of a bus ticket is 25 HRK ( 3.35) per journey, luggage is included. Saying that, both often get very busy with tourists, especially during the summer. Find out more about the accommodation options with our guide to the best places to stay in Budva! Croatia Vs Montenegro? Keep in mind, Kotor hosts cruise ships nearly every day in the summer, and therefore it gets very busy inside the Old Town walls during the day. One Week in Croatia All 7 Day Croatia Tours Itineraries, Tours & Packages 2021/2022 Plan an amazing trip for Croatia one week itinerary. Answer 1 of 2: Anyone wants to join a trip to croatia and montenegro on the 11th of sept? They drive in the middle of narrow, winding two-lane highways with little consideration for oncoming traffic, and quickly swerve around cars as they approach them. In Croatia, Makarska (to the north of Dubrovnik) has the best of both worlds. If you do end up flying there then click here to find out how to get from Dubrovnik to Kotor! How To Get From Dubrovnik To Kotor, Montenegro - Something of Freedom It is a beautiful drive like most in Montenegro. A great way to break up the 5-hour journey is a stop in Mostar, which is home to UNESCO-listed Stari Most, where the cliff diving championship by Red Bull is held each September! The island is actually artificially made by people throwing rocks and sinking ships into the Bay. Which country would you go back to? It was a great afternoon water activity! This day really encompasses some of the best scenery you will find in Montenegro and is a must do on any 7 day itinerary. How to get to Our Lady of the Rocks. Thankfully, with just one week in Montenegro you can see some of the best spots the country has to offer, making it a perfect add-on to a Croatia and/or Albania itinerary. If youre lucky, youll even stumble upon the unusual Cat Museum what a highlight! Although it costs slightly more, its well worth it as you get the chance to swim in the wonderfully blue water at the blue cave. Many people opt to stay in Budva or Kotor because there is more to do, however we loved the quietness of Perast, and could easily travel to Kotor in 20 minutes. The journey takes about five . Guided tours run twice a day, at midday and 4pm, and cost 20 per person. But apart from that, I think it'd be a great time to visit, though obviously a lot colder. Now that's the question! Before committing to renting a car its important to know that cars arent allowed inside Kotor Old Town. So Im here to spill all the tea on the ins and outs of Kotor Bay transportation. Prepare for a day of hiking and exploring before heading back to your accommodation in Kotor. Croatia joined the European Union in 2013, but they still havent adopted the euro yet. Considering our coat of arms is two-headed eagle one would say thats it. This Montenegro road trip itinerary contains affiliate links. Tickets start from 3 if you buy them online in advance, although there may be an extra charge of 1 if you need to use the luggage storage. Although you will have visited the canyon the day before, this is a completely different way to experience it. A lot of people dont realise the currency used in Montenegro is the Euro. One Week in Montenegro Itinerary: A Quiet Balkan Paradise As usual, youll want to break up the 2.5-hour journey and what better place to stop than Lake Skadar? The perfect 1-week itinerary for Montenegro - Hopping Feet There are multiple time slots available in the afternoon for the tour, so just pick what suits you best! I had so many questions about transportation in Montenegro that I found very difficult to answer prior to going. Small things like ferry rides, beach club chairs, and entrance fees probably total up to $100 per person over the course of one week. In fact, many locals believe that cats saved the town of Kotor and have remained a symbol of good luck ever since. Chances are you have because youve landed on my one week in Montenegro itinerary. Where to Fly into Montenegro. Kotors Old Town is super charming and offers photo opportunities everywhere you turn. This itinerary doesn't include the region of Istria but further down I have information on how to add a few days in Istria to a Croatia itinerary! Whats the best way to travel around Montenegro? Mid-Range Antika Guesthouse Spacious modern rooms with a central location Click here to view this lovely property on Booking.com! And in case I havent convinced you yet, heres a few more of my favourite memories: And if youre looking for information on another one of my favourite hidden paradises, check out my itinerary for Milos, Greece. Id strongly recommend joining a walking tour of Kotor if you have the chance too, or if youre a headstrong independent traveler, just allowing yourself to get lost down the tiny streets. Make sure youve got your camera with you as the view makes for some brilliant photos! Alternatively, if youre into wildlife or nature you may want to visit Lake Skadar, which is located at the border with Albania. Save. Once youve landed at Tivat, the best way to get to Kotor is to either take a taxi or rent a car. However, typically when I tell people I spent a week in this tiny Balkan country this summer they have no idea where Im talking about. Although its possible to condense your time in Montenegro to a 2 or 5 day itinerary, having a bit more time allows you to see the country in more depth and with the amazing places you can see here it would be easy to increase it to a 10 day trip or longer! Budva is one of those lazy, European seaside towns. Follow along on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. Her objective is to provide valuable information on the best things to do, see, eat, and experience while traveling and making memories along the way. Click here to book an amazing 3-hour boat tour around the bay on Get Your Guide! However, after talking to friends, family, and other travellers who had been there over the last couple years, I kept hearing the same story. In Montenegro theres abljak, an area thatll please hikers from around the world. The beach is overlooked by the mountains. The lake is particularly impressive on nice days as it beautifully reflects the sky. Id love to know what you think so let me know in the comment box below! Options, options. Flotilla May June July August September; Montenegro: 6th 20th: 3rd 17th: 1st 15th 29th: 12th 26th: 9th 23rd: Take the chance to have another relaxing day on the beach whilst enjoying the beautiful views of Sveti Stefan. . Day 4: Drive to Split via Krka or Zadar. I'd suggest staying somewhere like Kotor, or just around there. Walking Montenegro and the Croatian Islands . This one week Montenegro road trip itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors who want to see the best of the country in 7-10 days. Its very quiet too which is a major bonus. No two places are ever the same, let alone with the passing of time. Its actually made up of two beaches, known as Mogren 1 and Mogren 2, and both beaches are connected by a small tunnel inside a cliff. Alternatively, if youre headed to the Bay of Kotor or nothern Montenegro, you can fly to Dubrovnik Airport. Boka Kotorska. In terms of spending, below are approximates based on what we did. From up here, you can see the whole bay of Kotor, the old town, and the surrounding lush mountains. You can take a Our Lady of the Rocks boat tour, or simply walk along the water in Perast and hire a water taxi. Montenegro is best visited in the warmer months of the year as this is when the country is most alive and full of things to do. Entrance to the fortress costs 8 (updated 2023) and the ticket office officially opens at 7am. And the buses run regularly between towns, and are very affordable. Whether you want to relax on the beaches in Budva or enjoy the breathtaking scenery in the Bay of Kotor, its a country you wont regret visiting. Montenegro Id forgive you if you havent heard of it. Along the way, youll notice the new (hard to miss) highway being built. We opted for this option because it offered us the opportunity to fly direct from Copenhagen, and the flights were much more affordable. Click here to take a look at a variety of interesting tours available on the Viator website! Required fields are marked *. Are you planning a road trip in Montenegro? It is much less touristy than Kotor and is a lovely coastal place to spend a peaceful night. The drive here offers stunning views of the countryside and the monastery itself is architecturally beautiful to admire. Although its a glacial lake, its water is normally warm enough to swim in during the summer. There are two airports in Montenegro, one in Tivat and one in Podgorica. Be sure to stop for some gelato: when gelato is 1 euro per scoop, you cant go wrong! The Upper Monastery is dubbed Sv Vasilijes miracle, because no one seems to understand how it was built. It has an authentic old town made of white stones and winding streets that looks and feels very similar to the ultra-famous old town in Dubrovnik. If youre looking for a bit more of an adventure then you can walk beyond Mogren beach 2 and go cliff jumping from Sharks Rock cliff! You can drive the entirety of the bay, then use the car ferry to come back to save some money on fuel. If your budget has a bit more wiggle room in it, there are water taxis all over the Bay of Kotor that are happy to drop you off where ever you need to go. Our server told us to come back a second night to try the slow cooked lamb, which cooks for several hours throughout the day in a bell hanging over the grill. If you rent a car you will have a bit more flexibility to stop when and where you want, but we personally recommend following the same route as the tour if you have the time. This historical, European town is filled with the kind of charm that money just cant buy. This money is used to support this website and cover the costs of keeping it online and free to access! Another reason to set off early to the fortress is to get there before the day trippers arrive, so that you can enjoy it in relative peace and quiet. I know what youre thinking, a museum about cats have you lost your mind? You're in for a treat, as Montenegro is often considered one of the most stunning countries on earth. Now, it welcomes thousands of tourists each year, and hopefully, this will include you soon! The largest city in Montenegro and can be found in the Central East part of the country, closer to Albania than Croatia. A one-week Montenegro road trip will give you just enough time to see the top sites and attractions and have you eager for more. Now thats the question! A Week in Croatia and Montenegro - How Much Does It Cost? - Why Wait to There are three time slots available throughout the day, with the latest being 3pm which is the time best suited to you if youre visiting the fortress in the morning! Are you wonder where in the world is Montenegro? However, in recent years, the beauty and magic of Montenegro has been uncovered and it is quickly becoming one of the hottest tourist destinations in Europe, especially for road trips. The cheapest way to get from Dubrovnik to Kotor is by bus. A one-week Montenegro road trip will give you just enough time to see the top sites and attractions and have you eager for more. These are some of the best places to stay in the country! Its possible to rent a car from one airport and drop it off at another. But check Rentalcars.com as sometimes you can find really cheap rental car deals. If you can't decide on where to visit between Croatia and Montenegro then this is for you! If you are arriving by plane in Dubrovnik, Croatia, then the small town of Herceg Novi is the perfect place to start your Montenegro road trip. Photography and written content may not be reproduced without permission. If you cant decide between the two, you can actually do a day trip from Dubrovnik to Kotor so then you get the best of both worlds. I know what youre thinking pizza in Montenegro? Sveti Stefan currently is home to a 5-star luxury resort that was unfortunately closed when we visited during the pandemic. In case you need convincing, heres an except from what I wrote: Where do I begin with this spot? In fact, one of my favourite things about Perast is that you can swim just about anywhere. I feel like featuring an arena in the battle of Montenegro vs Croatia is very apt. Spending at least a few hours here is a must to see a side of Montenegro that is relatively untouched by tourism, as of now. The most beautiful night celebrating the love of o, Spring officially arrived this week and so, we cel, Swipe for the action shot The only other international airport in the country, Podogorica Airport, is 86 kilometres away and so Tivat airport is a much better option. Its a great little lunch stop, with some gorgeous viewpoints. The hiking here is some of the best in Europe. If possible, the easiest option is to fly into Tivat airport, which is located 8 kilometres away from Kotor. These rafting trips are normally only possible between May and September, so if youre visiting outside of these months its unfortunately not an option. Its complete with a stunning old town along with beach life and even some adrenaline watersports as well. Originally from California, Allison has been living in Bulgaria for the last two years and is obsessed with traveling around the Balkans. One of the best things about Montenegro is its small size. Serbia - 3 days. The atmosphere was perfect, felt very authentic and traditional. One Week In Croatia: The Perfect Summer Itinerary - Expert World Travel If youre a little lazy when at the seaside but love to explore, Im pretty sure you can hire a small boat as well to get here. One week in Croatia, one week in Montenegro - where to go? I can definitely see why you'd choose Montenegro! Just before you reach the city you should make a stop at the artificial Salty Lake, also known as Slansko Lake. You could easily do Dubrovnik and Kotor in a week, or you could spend a week in each country travelling around. One of the top activities here is to walk up the Kotor Fortress. Tickets cant be booked in advance and are sold at the small brown building in front of the bridge that connects the mainland to the island. Despite being one of the more off the beaten path travel destinations in Europe, Montenegro has plenty to offer in a 7 day itinerary. It was an absolute highlight of our time in Perast was Pirates Bay Beach Bar in fact, we loved it so much we went twice. Once you arrive it can take around 45 minutes to climb up the monastery, but its well worth doing so for the brilliant view of the surrounding nature. This small country is packed with natural beauty, historic monuments, and a plethora of undiscovered sites and attractions. Holiday-makers love its pebbly beaches, balmy summer weather, and dramatic mountains. There is a gorgeous little church half way up, too, that is well worth a visit. There are two different tours we personally recommend doing. The portion was huge and delicious. 10 Delightfully Instagrammable Places in Kotor, 7 Magical Things to Do in Montenegro in Winter, 11 Best Chalets & Ski Resorts in Kolasin, Montenegro, 17 Awe-Inspiring Places to Visit in Montenegro, The 10 Dreamiest Beaches in Montenegro for Your Adriatic Getaway, 7 Steps to Cancel or Postpone Your Trip to the Balkans. Having said that, in my experience, money doesnt have to limit your ability to explore once youve purchased the return flight ticket. Explore 293 Croatia 7 day trips from 142 experts with 1,521 reviews. On the walk up to the fortress you get some amazing views of the Bay of Kotor, so make sure to take plenty of photos. From Herceg Novi you will drive on the highway that runs along the stunning Bay of Kotor and make your way to Perast. It costs just 1.50 one-way, and the journey takes around 15-20 minutes. The alternative to taxis is to rent a car, which is a great option as it gives you the freedom to explore Montenegro at your own pace and create a road trip itinerary around the country. Alternatively, theres a rooftop bar/restaurant in the hotel which also has great views. Beyond this, Kotor has a hike of 1300 steps to the Kotor Fortress atop the huge mountains. A quick tip if youre visiting Montenegro in July. Well, sorry to break it to you but there is no Uber in Montenegro (or Lyft). And as an added bonus, it was served with the most incredible hand cut, homemade fries. Sharing her love of each destination via Instagram & the written word, its hard not to embrace her no f**ks given attitude. Its definitely an incredible spot for a wim, but if youd prefer then there is also a 4-kilometre circular trail around the lake. Treat yourself! Also, it offers accommodation at much lower prices than Kotor but is only 20 short minutes from this famous city. Croatia Island-Hopping Itinerary - Erika's Travelventures But there's history here as well: from ruined Roman arenas and Byzantine mosaics to Venetian bell towers, Habsburg villas, and even . Day 1: Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina Our trip started and ended in Sarajevo. After Yugoslavia broke up, Montenegro and Serbia were the only remaining member states, transitioning into the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro. And it was so good we came back a third night to have the lamb again! When to Visit the Kotor City Walls. If you want to head on the road more traveled, its about a 2.5-hour drive to Dubrovnik to continue the beach life or do some fangirling around Kings Landing if you are a Game of Thrones fanatic. Capital City: Podgorica. Like really tiny. Having spent much of your one week Montenegro itinerary on the go, now is the time to simply relax on the beach without having to do anything too strenuous. This is by far the most famous and popular city in Montenegro and it is understandable as to why! You could reduce this with hostels if you are on a budget. Days 3-4: Visit Plitvice Lakes National Park. Herceg Novi has a plethora of beaches, a stone filled old town, and two fortresses that used to defend the country long ago. On your final day in Kotor, youd be silly not to go to visit Our Lady of the Rocks island or one of the other little artificial islands found in the bay.