The Mini Montenegro Experience

WHY IT'S DIFFERENT?

Travel from the clear waters of Kotor to the mountains soaking up the venetian towns, dramatic landscapes and remote rural ethno villages.

Montenegro
Jun - Apr
4 nights

From $548.23pp $645.21pp

BOOK TODAY $191.88 DEPOSIT PER PERSON

Based on two people sharing, not including flights learn more

AVAILABILITY

June 2023
Jun 16 - 20 2023
Last Minute Save $96.98
From $548.23pp $645.21pp
Jun 23 - 27 2023
Last Minute Save $96.98
From $548.23pp $645.21pp
August 2023
Aug 11 - 15 2023
Last Minute Save $96.98
From $548.23pp $645.21pp
Aug 25 - 29 2023
Special Offer Save $96.98
From $548.23pp $645.21pp
September 2023
Sep 8 - 12 2023
Special Offer Save $96.98
From $548.23pp $645.21pp
October 2023
Oct 20 - 24 2023
Special Offer Save $96.98
From $548.23pp $645.21pp
April 2024

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Bay of Kotor

Bay of Kotor

"Most beautiful encounter between land and sea" according to Lord Byron and it's hard to argue. The bay and its charming venetian towns are best seen from the water by speed boat or yacht, luckily we can organise both!

Kotor Old Town

Kotor Old Town

The venetian, fortified town of Kotor offers all the beauty of Dubrovnik but without the prices or the crowds, not to mention it's unique walls which offer unbeatable views of the bay for those prepared to scale it!

The Landscape

The Landscape

The landscape in Montenegro is simply breathtaking. It's coastline is known for beauty but arguably the inland mountain scenery is even more spectacular with its array of lakes and National Parks.

Outdoor Activities

Outdoor Activities

If you like the great outdoors then Montenegro will not disappoint with the abundance of water and mountains. With many activities available such as hiking, zip-lining, kayaking, yachting and rafting.

"Incredible Montenegro! This tour is the perfect balance of guided touring and exploring on your own. We’re already choosing our next holiday with UTP and I’d highly recommend you do the same!"

Tracey - Guest

TRIP OVERVIEW

YOUR EXPERIENCE

Your trip begins with a scenic drive from the capital that takes you across the national park of Skadar lake, along the coastline, passing by iconic Sveti Stefan island to Kotor. You don’t want to miss the chance to see the view from the ancient fortress, and also to visit Perast islands – one of them man-made so that a beautiful church could be built on it. You will visit the monastery that was the first line of defence of Montenegro for five centuries, and still stands tall. This is, of course, combined with amazing views along the way, though you’re going through ”only” one national park. Next, you’ll be travelling along the stunning Tara canyon visiting another beautiful monastery and the amazing Tara bridge, which you'll have the option to zipline across. The last two nights you will spend at an ethno village, on the bank of yet another canyon, enjoying delicious food, engaging in outdoor activities such as white water rafting, lake cruises, horse riding and hiking, or simply resting with a good book – not too many places are better than Rudinice.

YOUR EXPERTS

ILIJA

ILIJA

The Thinker - Meet Ilija

James

James

The Brains Behind the Operation - Meet James

NEED TO KNOW

DESTINATION Montenegro
DURATION 4 nights
GROUP SIZE 12 people
ASSISTANCE Hands on
AIRPORT(S) Podgorica
FLIGHTS For more information on flights from the UK please refer to the Trip Details section.
VISA UK, EU & US not required
VACCINATIONS No

TRIP ITINERARY

Day 1 Arrive in Podgorica

Arrive in Podgorica. Drive into Kotor via the iconic Sveti Stefan.

INCLUDED

  • Airport Pick-up

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

  • Kotor Walking Tour
Day 2 Travel to Kolasin via Lake Skadar

Travel along Montenegro’s beautiful coastline with its crystal clear sapphire-coloured water through Budva and its impressive old town. Then you'll cut inland and ascend to Montenegro’s old Cetinje before taking the winding road down to the pretty little town of Rijeka Crnojevica detour for a coffee stop. Then you’ll head on to the Moraca valley and its breathtaking monastery. Once you’ve finished marvelling at the gorgeous frescos and exploring the charming grounds you’ll travel on to the alpine town of Kolasin where you’ll have a hearty traditional lunch (not included) at a charming old mill. After lunch, you’ll visit the Honey Farm. After a rest, you’ll be taken by jeep to a nearby mountain eco-village on the cusp of Biogradska National Park for drinks around the fire pit for sunset where you can share stories from the day before dinner and stargazing.

INCLUDED

  • Breakfast
  • Visit and entry to Lovcen National Park and Njegos Mausoleum
  • Visit and entry to Moraca Monastery
  • Tour and tasting of a local honey farm

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

  • Mountain-style dinner
Day 3 Visit the Durmitor National Park via the Tara Canyon

Transfer along Europe’s longest and deepest gorge, the Tara Canyon. Visit the Monastery of St. George before stopping and admiring the immense Tara Bridge while having a refreshment or for the adrenaline junkies, take the Zipline across the canyon. Then travel on to Montenegro’s most famous National Park, Durmitor. Visit the Black Lake for lunch and walk around its shores while taking in the impressive scenery. Alternatively for the hikers amongst you take a guided ramble through the National Park with a picnic lunch in the mountains.

INCLUDED

  • Breakfast
  • Visit and entry to Black Lake
  • Visit and entry to Dobrilovina Monastery

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

  • Lake Jablan Hike
  • Zip-lining
  • Mountain-style dinner
Day 4 Outdoor activities day in Pluzine

Early morning start. If the season allows, travel to the rural village of Trsa and drive through the dramatic Piva Canyon. For those that wish to, there is the option of white water rafting, canyoning, hiking, swimming or a relaxing boat cruise in the dam. For those looking for something, a little more cultural you can Visit Piva Monastery which was moved stone by stone in order not to be flooded by the dam. You’ll have lunch at Izlazak Ethno Village. The afternoon is at your leisure.

INCLUDED

  • Breakfast

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

  • White Water Rafting
  • Canyoning
  • Mountain-style dinner
  • Piva Lake Boat Trip
Day 5 Travel to the airport

Transfer to Podgorica. Fly home.

INCLUDED

  • Breakfast
  • Airport Drop-off

TRIP ACCOMMODATION

A selection of our accommodation, which is subject to availability, however alternatives are always of a similar price, grade and location.

Kotor

Kotor
Montenegro

All our chosen accommodation is based either in the old town or nearby. You can also upgrade to apartments with a shared pool, ideal for families.
Typical Accommodation: Monte Cristo, Villa Duomo or similar 

Pluzine

Pluzine
Montenegro

Close to Pluzine and its limestone lakes are family-run Ethno villages which allow you to experience authentic hospitality and be close to nature.
Typical Accommodation: Izlazak, Montenegro Etno Villages or similar 

Biogradska Gora

Biogradska Gora
Montenegro

Around 30 minutes from Kolasin, set on the outskirts of Biogradska Gora National park are some stunningly located, remote Ethno Villages.
Typical Accommodation: Vranjak, Goles Etno Villages or similar 

TRIP LOCATION

WHERE YOU'RE GOING

Magical Montenegro. The Black Mountain. Home to one of Europe’s most enticing stretches of coastline, some of the most striking mountain scenery on the continent and countless other spectacular gems, Montenegro is a country of incredible beauty and diversity. Not even 300km long, this tiny country packs in an extraordinary range of diverse landscape, cultural influences and must-see destinations. Catholic West meets Orthodox East, Montenegro’s heritage fuses centuries-old influences ranging from the Ottoman to the Venetian eras with a smorgasbord of diverse architecture and culture to create an utterly evocative holiday adventure.

DID YOU KNOW
  • With an area of 5,019 square miles, Montenegro is the 10th smallest country in Europe
  • The Tara Canyon is the deepest canyon in Europe and the second deepest in the world behind the Grand Canyon in Arizona
  • Lake Skadar is the largest lake in the Balkans with a surface area that varies from 400 to 535 square kilometers
  • The oldest tree in Europe is said to live in Montenegro and is over 2,000 years old

FAST FACTS

CAPITAL Podgorica
POPULATION 0.62 million
CURRENCY Euro
TIME DIFFERENCE UTC+01:00

"As your time is limited in Kotor, to make the most of it, we'd recommend speed boat tour of the bay, which will also give you the chance to swim in its crystal clear waters"

Ilija - Untravelled Paths

TRIP TIPS

tips image

Boat Tour of Kotor Bay

Unless you have additional nights in Kotor then you'll have limited time to see everything so we'd recommend you book a speed boat tour of the bay to make the most of your time there.

tips image

Kotor Old Town Walls

If ascending the old town walls, don't miss the church and very local "cafe". About 3/4 of the way up you'll need to climb through a whole in the wall so keep a look out or you'll miss it!

tips image

Try rakija

Rakija is Montenegro's staple, often home brewed, fire water which you're likely to be offered during your visit. It's powerful stuff mind but it will certainly keep you warm!

tips image

Clothing

No matter what time of year you travel, make sure you bring warm clothes as the temperature can drop sharply in the mountains especially in Spring and Autumn.

TRIP DETAILS

WHAT'S INCLUDED
  • ALL TRANSFERS
  • ALL ACCOMMODATION
    • 1 night in Kotor
    • 1 night at Katun Vranjak
    • 2 nights at Izlazak Ethno Village
  • MEALS
    • All breakfasts
  • ACTIVITIES
    • Entry to Lovcen National Park
    • Visit and entry to Moraca Monastery
    • Tour and tasting at a local honey farm
    • Entry to the Durmitor National Park
    • Visit to the Black Lake
  • THE SERVICES OF A BI-LINGUAL GUIDE
  • UNTRAVELLED PATHS EXPERIENCE EBOOKLET
GETTING THERE

As a tour operator we are not able to offer inclusive flights as part of our experiences however we are more than happy to help you find the most appropriate incoming and outgoing flights for you. All the listed airports fly directly in and out of Podgorica with multiple different airlines to choose from. We highly recommend using Skyscanner to find the cheapest flights.

FROM TO PODGORICA
  • TUI (Gatwick)
  • Ryanair (Stansted)
MANCHESTER TO PODGORICA
  • TUI

We can also cater for surrounding airports, although there would be an additional charge. For Tivat Airport the price is 80 Euros in total and Dubrovnik Airport in Croatia it is 80 Euros each way. Please note these prices are for the vehicle not per person and would be paid for locally.

FURTHER INFORMATION

INSURANCE

In order to be fully covered on your trip should anything happen, we suggest getting an insurance before you travel. We recommend True Traveller, designed especially for adventure travel, who will be able to tailor an insurance package based on your needs. You can find out more here.

SOLO TRAVELLERS

Our prices are based on people sharing, for solo travellers who would prefer a private room the price per person will include a solo occupancy fee.

EXTRA NIGHTS

If you wish we can also organise extra nights at either end of your trip for you.

HOW IT WORKS

Book your trip in a few easy steps.

1

ENQUIRE ONLINE

Once you’ve chosen the dates you’d like to travel on using our availability calendar all you need to do is head over to the booking page and fill in the enquiry form. 

2

BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS

We will get back to you answering any questions you might have and confirming availability. If all is good, we can hold the places for you for 48 hours while you book your flights. Please note that this stage does not represent a guarantee of the booking. 

3

BOOKING FORM

Once you have made your necessary arrangements, we will send you a booking form you will need to fill in with your details and any other relevant information.

4

PAY FOR YOUR TRIP

As you fill in the booking form, you will also be asked to make the payment through a secure link; if you are travelling in less than 8 weeks, the payment will be paid in full, otherwise only a 35% deposit will be taken.

5

FINAL CONFIRMATION

Shortly after you pay, you will receive a confirmation invoice, followed by a personalised itinerary and digital booklet. All you need to do now is write the dates in your diary, prepare your packing list and look forward to your next adventure!

6

NOTES

Please note deposit is non-refundable. The balance will only be refundable if you cancel with more than 8 weeks in advance. More information about the cancellation policy can be found in our Terms & Conditions. We highly suggest getting insurance before you travel to avoid any problems. Our personal recommendation is using True Traveller.

FAQs

What is the currency?

Despite the fact that Montenegro is not part of the European Union, the local currency is the euro. There are plenty of ATMs particularly in the major towns including Kotor and Budva so you don’t need to worry about changing currency before you arrive in Montenegro.


Where can I get a hold of the currency?

The easiest option is to head to a cash machine once you’ve landed in Montenegro to withdraw funds.
If you want to get hold of euros beforehand, head to an exchange bureau in the UK when the euro is readily available. You can also purchase currency online and collect it from your local post office or even have it delivered straight to your door. Ordering currency online with the Post Office is commission-free and available for next day delivery. Obviously the more you buy the better rate you’ll receive.

Can I pay by debit/credit card?

Most major credit and debit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are accepted throughout Montenegro’s main towns like Kotor, Podgorica and Kolasin however cash is preferable particularly in the less built up areas of the country and in the mountains. While you’ll have no problem using your card to pay for drinks or dinner in places like Kotor using your PIN number, many of the mountain towns only accept cash so do make sure you’ve got enough on you as well as small change for smaller purchases. Please note that outside of Podgorica the best place to withdraw cash is in Kolasin town. It is always advisable to inform your bank that you’re travelling abroad in order to avoid the frustration of having your card blocked.

What sort of budget would I need?

As a general rule, you’ll be able to have a good lunch for around £8 a head and will pay around £12 a head for a nice evening meal. Naturally, the type of establishment you choose to eat in and what you order will dictate the cost of your meals. Be aware that ordering imported drinks can cause your bill to sky-rocket so drinking local wines, beers or spirits is advisable. We reckon around £100 for lunch, drinks and snacks for two people is plenty. Please note that these are rough estimates and you can always choose to spend more or less depending on your budget and preferences.


How is tipping like?

Tipping in Montenegro is by no means compulsory, however it is polite to tip in restaurants and cafés by about 5 to 10%. If the service has been poor please don’t feel obligated to leave a tip. It is also commonplace to round up fares in a taxi to the nearest euro. 

How is the weather like?

Spring: Montenegro usually enjoys sunny weather in May with clear skies and fresh air but it’s a bit more of a gamble than travelling in the peak of summer. On the plus side, there are fewer tourists and only the odd cruise ship coming in to Kotor. Temperatures are much fresher in the mountains.Summer: Summer is high season for tourists and although the weather may be hot and sunny with less chance of showers, there will be more people around particularly along the coast and in Kotor. June is less busy than July (driest) and August. July is the driest and August the hottest.Autumn: The perfect time to visit Montenegro with beautiful weather on the coast and no hoards of tourists to contend with particularly in September when the weather is still warm.


Who should I contact in case of an emergency?

You can always contact the UTP team on +44 207 101 4061 or info@untravelledpaths.com. Before you travel, you will also receive a personalised itinerary with the contact details of the local manager in Romania should there be any problems. Your guide will be on hand throughout the trip as well, so you're in safe hands.

How do I go about booking extra activities?

Our digital booklet, which you will receive before travel, contains all the information you need about optional activities. Simply drop us an email letting us know what you'd like to do during your trip, and we'll take care of the rest. Please note that the payment for the optional activities will be taken locally in cash.

Is tap water safe?

Although tap water is chlorinated and generally safe to drink, we recommend sticking to bottled water in order to avoid a tummy upset! Bottled water is widely available. Just ask for mineralna voda.

What should I pack?

As you’ll be spending your time between Montenegro’s beautiful Adriatic Coast and its stunning mountains you’ll need to bring clothing appropriate for both warm and cool, changeable weather. Layers are an excellent option as they’ll allow you to warm up and cool down when necessary.
• Layers of lightweight clothing ideally made from cotton or other breathable materials
• Hiking gear for those keen on doing lots of walking
• A warm cardigan, fleece or hooded jumper for cool evenings by the sea and in the mountain
• A lightweight waterproof jacket in case the heavens open
• Smart clothing for more upmarket dinners in Kotor (shirts, trousers and dresses)
• Swimwear for water-based activities and sunbathing
• A pair of flip-flops or sandals
• A sturdy pair of trainers or hiking boots