7 days in Montenegro | From Budva to the Bay of Kotor and Lake Skadar

Day 1: Departure for Tivat or Dubrovnik – Montenegrin coast

Your journey begins in Montenegro or Croatia, depending on where your flight lands. Either way, it promises to be a unique trip. Once you’ve collected your hire car, you can drive towards the Montenegrin Riviera. You’ll spend six nights in one of our Caractère hotels. We’re happy to help you choose your hotel.

Day 2: Budva, the oldest town on the Montenegrin coast

The adventure begins in Budva, one of the oldest towns on the Adriatic coast, with extensive beaches and a vibrant nightlife. The walled town of Budva was built by the Venetians on a headland in the 15th century.

Day 3: The Luštica Peninsula

Get a taste of the beauty of the Bay of Kotor; the unspoilt hills of Luštica enclose this bay to the south and overlook fortified harbours such as Rose and old salt pans where, among others, pink flamingos take refuge in the Solila bird sanctuary. Return via Tivat and round off your day with a leisurely stroll through the prestigious marina. Don’t forget to pick up a souvenir from one of the luxury boutiques.

Day 4: Lake Skadar and Bar

Via Cetinje and Rijeka Crnojevića, you’ll reach Lake Skadar, the largest bird sanctuary in Europe. This is the last remaining habitat of the pelican on the Old Continent.

Day 5: Cetinje and Lovćen National Park

Cetinje is the cultural and historical capital of Montenegro, a small and charming mountain town with numerous museums and King Nikola’s Palace. Lovćen National Park is also home to one of Montenegro’s most important monuments, the Mausoleum of Njegoš.

Day 6: Sveti Stefan and the Bay of Kotor

A stroll around the exclusive hotel island of Sveti Stefan is certainly worth it. Then continue your journey towards the Bay of Kotor, Europe’s southernmost fjord and one of the 10 most beautiful bays in the world. With its Venetian bell towers, Kotor exudes a special charm. A visit to Perast and its two small islands is the highlight of this trip.

Day 7: Back home

Haven’t had enough of your holiday yet? Then be sure to extend your trip to take a trip to Dubrovnik. You won’t regret it, we promise. Is it really over? Then hand in your hire car at the airport and fly back home feeling satisfied and fully recharged.

Frequently asked questions about this Montenegro tour

When is the best time to visit the Montenegrin Riviera?

The best time to visit this region is from May to September, when the weather is ideal for both beach days and exploring the national parks. In spring and autumn, you’ll also enjoy more pleasant temperatures for walks in the Lovćen Mountains, and popular attractions such as Kotor are less crowded.

Is a (hire) car essential for exploring Montenegro properly?

Yes, a hire car is essential to cover the wide variety of destinations, from the coastal towns to the mountainous interior and remote spots such as Lake Skadar. Although the distances are short, the roads through the mountains require your own transport so you can enjoy the spectacular panoramic views at your own pace.

Why is the Bay of Kotor a must-see on this trip?

The Bay of Kotor is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is often described as the most beautiful fjord in Southern Europe due to its steep mountain cliffs that plunge directly into the azure blue sea. The combination of medieval architecture in towns such as Perast and the impressive natural setting makes it one of the most unique landscapes in the world.