This week-long Montenegro itinerary takes in all the top attractions and must-visit sights. Over seven days you’ll get to see and experience the best the country has to offer, including some lesser known hidden gems.
In this article – we outline a flexible 7-day Montenegro trip itinerary that includes Budva, Kotor, and other amazing destinations in this stunning country.
Montenegro Itinerary Overview
Here’s a quick summary of the itinerary at a high level…
- Day 1 – Arrive in Podgorica or Tivat and explore
- Day 2 – Kotor
- Day 3 – Perast & Bay of Kotor
- Day 4 – Lovćen National Park
- Day 5 – Budva & Beaches
- Day 6 – Lake Skadar
- Day 7 – Tivat, Cetinje or Herceg Novi before departing
Now let’s dive into the details of this trip day-by-day…
Day 1: Arrival in Podgorica or Tivat
- Arrive in Podgorica or Tivat.
- Spend the afternoon exploring, depending on your arrival time.
- Evening at leisure to enjoy local cuisine.
If you’re arriving into Montenegro by air, then you’ll either land in the capital, Podgorica, or Tivat. Both are small enough to explore in less than a day so you don’t need to allocate a lot of time to either. Plus, the other towns and attractions in this itinerary have a lot more to offer so you’re better off prioritising your time towards those.
Podgorica doesn’t have much in the way of attractions so half a day is more than enough. There’s a cool bridge, historic street, and a few interesting buildings. Tivat is a scenic town on the Bay of Kotor with a luxury marina, relaxing beaches, and plenty of other things to do, so you can easily fill a full day here. After exploring your arrival point, drive to Kotor (or get the bus) which will be your accommodation base for the week.
Day 2: Kotor
- Head to Kotor and explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town.
- Hike the Ladder of Kotor for panoramic views.
- Relax at one of its beaches.
- Watch the sunset followed by an evening stroll along the Kotor promenade.
Spend the day exploring Kotor, a UNESCO-listed jewel surrounded by the majestic Bay of Kotor. Lose yourself in the labyrinth of cobbled alleys that make up Old Town, scale the city walls, or hike up the Ladder of Kotor hike for panoramic views. Visit the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon and Kampana Tower, before heading out on the water for a boat trip around the bay or some chillout time at one of its beaches.
Check out our self-guided walking tour of Kotor that includes all the must-see attractions.
Day 3: Perast and Bay of Kotor
- Day trip to Perast, visit Our Lady of the Rocks and St. George islands.
- Explore its Baroque architecture and seaside charm.
- Boat trip on the Bay of Kotor.
Take a day trip from Kotor to Perast, a charming town on the Bay of Kotor. Explore the Baroque architecture and then take a boat trip. Sail to the nearby islands of Our Lady of the Rocks and St. George, then slightly further afield to the Blue Cave and enjoy views of the surrounding coastline. In the evening return to Kotor for an evening promenade along the waterfront and some local cuisine.
Day 4: Lovćen National Park
- Drive to Lovćen National Park.
- Hike to the summit of Mount Lovćen for breathtaking views.
- Visit the mausoleum of Petar II Petrović Njegoš.
Head to Lovćen National Park for a day of nature and culture. Hike to the summit of Mount Lovćen for breathtaking vistas, paying homage to Petar II Petrović Njegoš at his mausoleum. Enjoy the serenity of the park and take time to really absorb its spectacular views.
Day 5: Budva and Beach Day
- Travel to Budva and explore the lively Old Town.
- Relax at Mogren Beach or Jaz Beach.
- Enjoy Budva’s vibrant nightlife and beachside cafes.
Discover Budva, where beach delights meet medieval history. Wander through the lively Old Town, relax on Mogren Beach, and enjoy the vibrant nightlife. Stay for the evening before heading back to Kotor.
Day 6: Lake Skadar Excursion
- Day trip to Lake Skadar, the largest lake in the Balkans.
- Take a boat out on the water to visit charming villages and enjoy the scenery.
- Explore the lake’s unique ecosystem and birdwatching spots.
Embark on a day trip to Lake Skadar, the largest lake in the Balkans. Cruise its tranquil waters, explore charming villages, and witness the unique birdlife. Immerse yourself in the peacefulness of this natural haven before returning to Kotor in the evening.
Day 7: Tivat
- If you initially arrived via Podgorica, visit Tivat’s Porto Montenegro and stroll along the marina.
- If you explored Tivat on day 1, then choose another day-trip from Kotor such as Cetinje or Herceg Novi.
- Return to your departure flight location.
Conclude your Montenegro journey in Tivat if you didn’t already visit on day 1. Explore the luxury of Porto Montenegro, stroll along the marina, or take a self-guided walking tour.
Or take a day trip to the country’s former capital, Cetinje, or the pretty coastal town of Herceg Novi. Both of these lesser-visited gems are a 60-min drive from Kotor. If you want to get off the beaten path in Montenegro and away from the main tourist areas, then Cetinje and Herceg Novi are both great options.
Return to your flight departure point, allowing 20-120 minutes for the transfer depending on whether you’re leaving from Tivat (very close to Kotor) or Podgorica. Tivat is a small airport, but when we departed the queue for security went all the way out the main doors and took over an hour to get through! So, allow plenty of time, particularly if you’re travelling in the peak summer season.
One Week In Montenegro
So, there you have a complete itinerary for spending one amazing week in Montenegro. By basing yourself in Kotor, you’ll be centrally located for all of the idyllic coastal towns and natural wonders that this stunning country has to offer. You’ll get to see vibrant Budva, sleepy Perast, the breathtaking Lovćen National Park, and serene Lake Skadar, without feeling rushed.
Have a fabulous trip and be sure to tag @runwalkexpore in your travel photos!
