The Mini Montenegro Experience

WHY IT'S DIFFERENT?

Discover dramatic landscapes, remote rural ethno villages of the mountains then travel to the clear waters of Kotor Bay with its stunning Venetian Old Towns.

Montenegro
Apr - Oct
4 nights

From $593.90pp $710.35pp

BOOK TODAY $207.86 DEPOSIT PER PERSON

Based on two people sharing, not including flights learn more

AVAILABILITY

April 2024
May 2024
4 - 8 May 2024
Last Minute Save $142.33
From $632.72pp $775.05pp
June 2024
8 - 12 Jun 2024
Last Minute Save $116.45
From $658.60pp $775.05pp
July 2024
6 - 10 Jul 2024
Special Offer Save $116.45
From $690.94pp $807.39pp
August 2024
17 - 21 Aug 2024
Special Offer Save $116.45
From $690.94pp $807.39pp
September 2024
14 - 18 Sep 2024
Special Offer Save $116.45
From $658.60pp $775.05pp
October 2024
12 - 16 Oct 2024
Early Bird Save $116.45
From $593.90pp $710.35pp

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Bay of Kotor

Bay of Kotor

"Most beautiful encounter between land and sea" according to Lord Byron. The bay and its charming Venetian towns are best seen from the water by speed boat which you'll get to do on the Perast Sunset Cruise.

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

Embark on an unforgettable journey along Montenegro's Adriatic coastline. Drive through the picturesque Moraca Valley to the charming mountain town of Kolasin. Explore the Eco Village of Vranjak and visit a delightful honey farm (available May-September). Traverse the exhilarating Tara Canyon, Europe's longest and deepest gorge, with the option to Zipline across it. Discover Durmitor National Park, where the enchanting Black Lake and guided mountain hikes await. Drive through the dramatic Piva Canyon and choose between white water rafting or a relaxing boat cruise in the dam. Uncover the cultural treasures of the relocated Piva Monastery. Enjoy lunch in the picturesque fishing village of Rijeka Crnojevica, nestled on Lake Skadar's edge, a UNESCO-protected site. Traverse Lovcen National Park, pausing at the Mausoleum for panoramic vistas. Descend into breathtaking Kotor Bay and its captivating Old Town. Spend two nights exploring Kotor's Venetian charm, strolling ancient walls and meandering through narrow streets. Indulge in a private Perast Sunset cruise, visiting the famous Lady of the Rock before your transfer to the airport and your flight home.

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 14 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 Podgorica and transfer to Kolasin

Once you have arrived in Podgorica, you'll travel on to the mountain town of Kolasin via the Moraca Valley. Here you'll have a chance to visit the Eco Village of Vranjak before a hearty local meal.

INCLUDED

  • Airport Pick-up
  • Entry to Moraca Monastery
Day 2 Visit the Durmitor National Park via the Tara Canyon

After breakfast, travel a short distance to the Honey Farm (May-September), here you will learn all about how it is made, and why it is so important. You'll have the opportunity to taste the honey in multiple forms before being transferred along Europe’s longest and deepest gorge, the Tara Canyon. You'll travel to the Monastery of Dobrilovina 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. After lunch, the weather allows you'll take a scenic drive through Durmitor National Park through to the dramatic Piva Canyon.

INCLUDED

  • Breakfast
  • Tour and tasting of a local honey farm
  • Visit and entry to Dobrilovina Monastery
  • Visit and entry to Black Lake
  • Durmitor Scenic Drive

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

  • Zip-lining
  • Lake Jablan Hike
Day 3 Travel to Lake Skadar and Lovcen National Park

For those who wish to, there is the option of white water rafting 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. Then you'll travel on towards the coast stopping at the pretty fishing village of Rijeka Crnojevica on the cusp of Lake Skadar which is UNESCO protected for lunch. Finally, if the weather is on your side, you'll travel through Lovcen National Park and visit the Mausoleum where you'll enjoy panoramic views of the country. Finally, you'll snake down from the National Park into Kotor Bay and its stunning Old Town.

INCLUDED

  • Breakfast
  • Lovcen National Park & Mausoleum

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

  • White Water Rafting
  • Piva Lake Boat Trip
Day 4 Explore Kotor Old Town & Perast Sunset Cruise

You have the day at your leisure to explore the beautiful Venetian Old Town of Kotor. Scale its unique old town walls and enjoy breathtaking views of the bay or discover all the narrow streets with cute cafes, restaurants and boutique shops. In the late afternoon, you'll have the opportunity to explore the bay by water on our private Perast Sunset cruise. You'll visit the famous Lady of the Rock before having the opportunity to wander along the Perast promenade and have a drink while the sun sets. Then you'll be taken back to Kotor where you can enjoy the rest of your evening as you wish.

INCLUDED

  • Breakfast
  • Perast Sunset Cruise

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

  • Kotor Walking Tour
Day 5 Travel to the airport

Transfer to Podgorica via Sveti Stefan for your flight 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 

Kolasin

Kolasin
Montenegro

Within walking distance of the centre of town, you’ll be staying in modern and comfortable lodgings conveniently close to the national parks.
Typical Accommodation: Studio Proforma, Guest House Alte 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
    • Airport Transfers
    • All in-country transfers
  • ALL ACCOMMODATION
    • 2 nights in Kotor
    • 1 night at Kolasin
    • 1 night in Pluzine
  • 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
    • Perast Sunset Cruise
  • 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.


Do I need to tip?

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