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Day Trips & Excursions

Day Trips & Excursions

Montenegro

Nearby Destinations

Kotor, an UNESCO World Heritage site, features an ancient walled city nestled at the base of dramatic mountains. Its highlights the St. Tryphon Cathedral and the rewarding climb to San Giovanni Fortress, with stunning panoramic views of the bay.

Budva offers a different atmosphere from Tivat, combining historical charm with modern entertainment. Perast, a picturesque baroque town famous for its two island churches: Our Lady of the Rocks and St. George. Perast's stone palaces and tranquil waterfront a charming contrast to the busier coastal towns.

Transportation Options for Each

  • Kotor, Budva, Perast, Herceg Novi: Accessible by frequent intercity buses from the Tivat Bus Station. Taxis are an option.
  • Lovćen National Park: Reached by car or organized tour. The Kotor-Lovćen cable car access from Kotor.
  • Skadar Lake National Park: Explored by car or organized tour. Buses go to Virpazar.
  • For booking day trips, consider GetYourGuide.

Planning Your Excursions

Navigate your day trips with ease using these insights.

Organized Tour vs. Independent Travel

Choose what matches your travel style.

Independent Travel

  • Flexibility and budget-friendly for solo travelers or small groups.
  • Good for using local buses.
  • Good for visiting Kotor, Budva, or Perast.

Organized Tour Benefits

For convenience and guided experiences.

Tour Advantages

  • Convenience, transport, and a knowledgeable guide.
  • Good for visiting multiple sites.
  • Ideal for Lovćen National Park or Skadar Lake without a car.

Time Required and Suggested Itineraries

Typical Durations

  • Kotor/Perast: A full day (6-8 hours).
  • Budva: A half to full day (4-6 hours).
  • Lovćen National Park: A half-day (3-4 hours).
  • Skadar Lake: Plan a full day (6-8 hours).

Sample Itinerary Combinations

  • Kotor/Perast: Explore Kotor Old Town, then a boat trip to Our Lady of the Rocks.
  • Lovćen National Park: Visit the mausoleum and views.
  • Skadar Lake: A boat trip on the lake and exploring surrounding villages.
  • Budva: Explore its Old Town and relax at a beach.

Transportation Connections

  • Local Buses:Tivat Bus Station, frequent intercity.
  • Taxis:Direct travel, more expensive.
  • Kotor Cable Car:Direct access to Lovćen from Kotor.
  • Car Rental:Most flexibility for diverse areas.
  • Continue South:To Albania (Shkodër or Tirana).
  • Continue North:To Croatia (Dubrovnik and Split).
  • Head Inland:To Serbia or Bosnia & Herzegovina.
  • Bus Connections:Good for regional and international travel.

Booking Tip

Book day trips and excursions with GetYourGuide for a seamless experience.

Natural Escapes

Montenegro's diverse landscape a multitude of opportunities for natural excursions.

Mountain Majesty

Lovćen National Park with stunning mountain scenery.

Lake Serenity

Skadar Lake National Park for birdwatchers and nature lovers.

Wild Forests

Durmitor National Park, known for its dramatic mountains.

Parks and Reserves

Protected areas safeguarding unique ecosystems.

Featured Parks

  • Lovćen National Park: Accessible from Tivat.
  • Skadar Lake National Park: Birdlife and tranquil surroundings.
  • Durmitor National Park: Inland mountains, glacial lakes, Tara River Canyon.

Coastal & Rural Charm

Beaches and villages beyond the city.

Secluded Spots

  • Luštica Peninsula: Secluded coves and quieter beaches.
  • Gornja Lastva: Rural village with panoramic views.
  • Wildflowers: A burst of wildflowers in spring.

Seasonal Wonders

Wildflowers:Spring brings a burst of wildflowers across the landscape.
Snow-Capped Mountains:In winter, the inland mountains are often snow-capped.

Respect Nature's Beauty

  • Minimize your waste.
  • Dispose of all litter properly.
  • Follow park rules.
  • Reuse towels in accommodation.
  • Consider supporting carbon offset programs for your flights, such as Terrapass.

Cultural Excursions

Explore historical and cultural sites beyond Tivat's immediate vicinity.

Ancient Wonders

Remains of a Roman villa in Risan, featuring well-preserved mosaic floors.

Historical Sites

  • Roman Mosaics in Risan: Well-preserved mosaic floors.
  • Ostrog Monastery: Iconic Serbian Orthodox monastery built into a vertical cliff face.
  • Island Monasteries: Our Lady of the Rocks and St. George.

Rural Life

The birthplace of Petar II Petrović-Njegoš.

Village Heritage

  • Njeguši Village: Famous for prosciutto and cheese.
  • Old road from Kotor to Lovćen: Glimpse traditional life.
  • Offers a glimpse into traditional Montenegrin rural life.

Extending Your Cultural Journey

For those with more time, extend your trip to other regions.

Multi-Day Ideas

  • North Montenegro (Durmitor & Tara Canyon): 2-3 days for hiking, rafting.
  • Lake Skadar & Podgorica: 1-2 days for lake and capital.
  • Ulcinj & Ada Bojana: 1-2 days for southern coast and kitesurfing.

Next Destinations

Consider neighboring countries for further exploration.

Bordering Countries

  • Albania (Shkodër or Tirana): Accessible by bus or car.
  • Croatia (Dubrovnik and Split): Popular Adriatic choices.
  • Serbia or Bosnia & Herzegovina: Further Balkan exploration.

Suggested Routes for Longer Regional Travel

Tailor your journey to match your interests.

Coastal Route

Tivat > Kotor > Budva > Bar > Ulcinj (exploring the Montenegrin coast) > Shkodër (Albania).

Mountain & Lakes Route

Tivat > Podgorica > Skadar Lake > Kolašin > Žabljak (Durmitor).

Transportation

Good bus connections. Car rental offers most flexibility.

Cultural Immersion Tips

Learn basic phrases, dress modestly at religious sites for a cultural immersion.

Multi-Day Extensions

For those with more time, extending your trip allows exploration of Montenegro's diverse regions.

Recommendations for Adding 1-3 Days to the Itinerary

1

North Montenegro

Add 2-3 days for hiking, white-water rafting on the Tara River, and exploring Durmitor National Park.

2

Lake Skadar & Podgorica

Add 1-2 days for an exploration of Skadar Lake, and a visit to Montenegro's capital city.

3

Ulcinj & Ada Bojana

Add 1-2 days to explore the southern coast, known for its long sandy beaches and kitesurfing.

Logical Next Destinations

  • Continue South to Albania: Shkodër or Tirana are accessible by bus or car.
  • Continue North to Croatia: Dubrovnik and Split are popular choices.
  • Head Inland to Serbia or Bosnia & Herzegovina: Reachable by bus or train (to Serbia).
  • Regional Travel: Good bus connections facilitate travel within Montenegro and to neighboring countries.
  • Car Rental: Offers the most flexibility for exploring diverse areas.
  • Coastal Route: Tivat > Kotor > Budva > Bar > Ulcinj > Shkodër (Albania).

Suggested Routes for Longer Regional Travel

  • Coastal Route: Tivat > Kotor > Budva > Bar > Ulcinj (exploring the Montenegrin coast) > Shkodër (Albania).
  • Mountain & Lakes Route: Tivat > Podgorica > Skadar Lake > Kolašin > Žabljak (Durmitor).
  • These routes highlight the Adriatic coastline's diverse towns and beaches.
  • The mountain route takes you inland to discover Montenegro's rugged interior.
  • Explore national parks and adventure activities.
  • Car rental for efficiency.

Transportation Connections

Bus Network

Good bus connections facilitate regional travel within Montenegro and to neighboring countries.

Car Rental

Car rental offers the most flexibility for exploring diverse areas at your own pace.

Airport Access

Tivat Airport for convenient arrivals and departures connecting to your multi-day adventures.

Regional Travel Tip

Car rental or organized tours are ideal for reaching national parks or secluded beaches.
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