The coast of Monténégro

Arrival at Podgorica or Tivat airport.

You pick up your rental car at the airport, then head towards Bar.
Check-in at the hotel.

You head towards Stari Bar (stari meaning "old"). You can leave your vehicle in the car park located below and reach this ancient abandoned town on foot, by taking a lively pedestrian street.

Take the opportunity to stop at one of the terraces and enjoy your first Turkish coffee, a tradition deeply rooted in the Balkans.

Visit the remains of the old town, a city marked by successive influences from Byzantium, the Republic of Venice and the Ottoman Empire, which shaped its architecture over the centuries.

You will discover several buildings inherited from the Ottoman era, such as the hammam, the gunpowder mill, the clock tower, as well as the aqueduct that supplied Stari Bar with drinking water.

Located a few kilometres from the coast, this ancient town stands out for its location on a hill, at the foot of Mount Rumija.

Before continuing towards Ulcinj, you can make a stop to discover Bar's old olive tree, a tree over 2,000 years old, considered one of the oldest in Europe.

In Ulcinj, you discover the old part of the city, whose narrow and winding streets invite you to experience the atmosphere of past eras. First Illyrian, then Byzantine, Serbian and Ottoman, the city retains a unique identity, marked by these different influences. The citadel-fortress, which dominates the heights, offers an unobstructed view over the sea. Located near the Albanian border, Ulcinj also allows you to perceive this influence in its atmosphere and culture.

Mentioned since Roman times, the city preserves remains from this period as well as from Byzantine administration. You will discover in particular the complex located near the North Gate, backed against the fortress. Built in 1510 and rebuilt in 1569, this church, dedicated to an unknown saint, was transformed into a mosque in 1693. It now houses Ulcinj's archaeological museum.

About 5 km south of Ulcinj stretches the Great Beach, 13 km long, considered the largest in the Adriatic. Weather permitting, you can make a detour to enjoy its fine sand and its setting overlooking the sea.

After your check-out, you head towards the charming fishing village of Virpazar, located on the shores of Lake Skadar, the largest in the Balkans. Here, you enjoy a boat trip to observe birds, islets and the surrounding nature, in a peaceful atmosphere.

The lake is an important reserve for migratory birds. This vast body of water is recognized as one of Europe's main migration sites. Classified as a National Park, the site spans 44,000 hectares. Its wetlands, which are particularly remarkable, are listed on the Ramsar list.

Lake Skadar is also known for the richness of its wildlife, particularly its numerous bird and fish species. It is thus among the wetlands of international importance recorded by the Ramsar convention.

The architecture of the old town of Budva largely reflects Venetian influences. Behind its ramparts, you discover a charming town, where strolling through small paved alleyways invites you to take time to observe the details.

First mentioned in the 4th century BC, the town was built on a peninsula. It consists of stone houses and churches, narrow alleys and small walled gardens, forming the characteristic ensemble of a medieval seaside town.

Not far from Budva stands Sveti Stefan, a fortified former fishing village built in the 15th century on a rocky islet. Originally, it served as a refuge for inhabitants fleeing Turkish incursions. The fortified town was built thanks to the riches accumulated by the Paštrović tribe, particularly from attacks launched against Turkish galleys at the place called Jaz.

The islet is connected to the coast by a narrow strip of sand. The entire site offers singular architecture that contributes to the visual identity of the location. In the 1960s, the peninsula of Sveti Stefan was transformed into a hotel town. Access to the site remains possible, but an entrance fee applies.

After your check-out, you set off to discover Cetinje, the former royal capital of Monténégro, today known as a true museum-city due to its many museums and art galleries.

Cetinje stands out for its typical architecture, composed of small houses of one or two stories, surrounded by remarkable vegetation. In the past, the city had up to 12 embassies. It was here that several firsts in the Balkans came into being, notably the printing of the first book, as well as the construction of the first hospital and the first hotel in Monténégro.

Cetinje also hosted the country's first government palace and today houses the residence of the President of the Republic. We recommend visiting the King Nikola Museum.

Continuation towards the Njegos Mausoleum in the Lovcen National Park. The mausoleum is nestled on one of the highest peaks of Mount Lovcen and offers us a spectacular view over 80% of Monténégro's territory. But to access it, prepare yourself for the 461 steps.

You continue your journey towards the Njegos Mausoleum, located in the heart of the Lovcen National Park. Nestled on one of the highest peaks of Mount Lovćen, this site offers a clear view over a large part of Monténégro's territory.

To reach the mausoleum, you will need to climb 461 steps, a gradual ascent that leads to this emblematic place.

You descend towards Kotor along the old winding road, well known for its succession of around thirty hairpin turns. Narrow and punctuated by tight bends, this route is among the most memorable experiences in the country.

Throughout the descent, you enjoy clear viewpoints over the bay and the city of Kotor, which gradually reveal themselves.

You discover the old town of Kotor, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its natural and cultural value. The city, marked by numerous influences over the centuries, reflects a rich history through its architecture.

As you walk through its picturesque streets, you observe emblematic sites such as Saint-Tryphon Cathedral and the ramparts that extend for nearly 4.5 kilometers. A former port and major commercial center of the Adriatic, Kotor long occupied a strategic position.

Today, it is among the best-preserved medieval urban ensembles. Founded in Roman times, the city has been known by its current name since the 7th century.

Not far from Kotor, you set off to discover Perast, a baroque town whose elegant 17th and 18th century buildings testify to its prosperous past. At that time, the town had more than 100 merchant ships and the most influential captains had beautiful villas built there, still visible today.

Perast was also a naval training centre, where Russian aristocrats came to train in maritime techniques. Facing the town are two small islets developed by its inhabitants. You can board a boat to reach the Our Lady of the Rocks island and discover its church-museum.

Porto Monténégro is a marina and nautical resort located in Tivat, dedicated to welcoming yachts. It is among the leading marinas on the Adriatic coast.

The complex includes a marina offering approximately 450 berths, capable of accommodating yachts ranging from 12 to 180 meters in length.

Breakfast at the hotel, then check-out according to your establishment's procedures. You then head towards the airport, enjoying the landscapes of Monténégro one last time.

Return your rental car at Tivat or Podgorica airport, depending on your flight plan, before your departure.