Walking in the Bay of Kotor and coast of Montenegro

Experience the highlights of one of the most beautiful hiking areas in southern Europe the Bay of Kotor. Discover in your pace the beauty of the Montenegrin coastline. Enjoy fantastic views, great food and Mediterranean atmosphere.

Day 1: Arrival

Arrival at Tivat, Dubrovnik or Podgorica airport: Optional transfer to Kotor.

Day 2: The Bay of Kotor (5,5 hrs, + 700 m/- 700 m; 13 km)

Mount Vrmac is situated like a barrier between the innermost part of the Bay (Bay of Kotor) and the outer part (Bay of Tivat). The hike starts from Kotor on a zick-zack trail to the fortress Vrmac and you follow the mountain ridge to the highest top of Vrmac, Sveti Ilija (765 m). The descend follows an old shepherd’s trail down a village in the Bay of Kotor.

Day 3: Above of Perast (5hrs, + 700 m/- 700 m; 12 km)

Another top tour: On the northern side of the bay, you start in Orahovac village to the ruins of Vranovo Brdo fortress, where an absolutely breathtaking view awaits you. Then another military path takes you down to the small town Perast. There it is possible to take a boat to visit the famous island with the church Gospa od Skrpjela (our Lady of the Rock). Return by boat to Tivat. Dinner in the old town of Kotor.

Day 4: Ladder of Kotor and Cetinje (4hrs, + 900 m/; 11 km)

Right from Kotor you follow the old trade route which once connected Cetinje with Kotor – the ladder of Kotor. Even Billard tables were transported along this trail! This old horse trail with more than 70 zig-zags takes you Krstac pass offers countless magnificent views of the whole bay. Upon arrival at the pass 900m, we have a try of local Njegusi ham and cheese. You are transferred to the old capital of Cetinje, where the old buildings of the powers of the 19th century stand in big contrast to the simple architecture of the local architecture style. Transfer to Budva, which offers a romantic old town and nice close by beaches for swimming.

Day 5: Stari Bar and Rumija mountain 5hrs, + 800 m/- 800 m; 14 km

A panoramic transfer along the Montenegrin coast takes you to Bar. You start our walk in the olive orchards of Old Bar and continue to an abandoned village above of the Bay of Bar. On the way there you have the chance to visit the ruins of Old Bar, where you can feel the oriental spirit of this part of Montenegro. Return to Budva.

Day 6: Monasteries of Budva – Sv. Stefan (5 hrs, + 800 m/- 200 m; 14 km)

A short transfer (30min) takes you to our starting point above of Budva. There you start a pleasant panorama walk above the Riviera of Budva. After a refreshing stop at the church of Ogradnica you start your descent to Sv. Stefan, the iconic hotel island.
Return to Budva.

Day 7: Lake Skadar National Park (3hrs, + 200 m/- 200 m; 8 km)

Not the miss a walk in another unique landscape of Montenegro, Lake Skadar Nationalpark. Enjoy a pleasant and scenic loop walk to the ancient village of Godinje. This region is also well known for producing the best wines of Montenegro. Reward yourself with a glass of “Vranac” wine and fish from the lake. Return to Budva.

Day 8 – Transfer (optional)

To the airport Podgorica, Tivat or Dubrovnik

This tour is completely customizable
The itinerary for this tour can be customized to suit your needs from your accommodations, difficulty and pace. Drop us a message.

Price from: € 690.00

What’s included

7 nights accommodation in double/twin room
7 breakfasts
Luggage transfers
Orientation meeting (self-guided)
GPX-Tracks for walks
Maps and roadbook
Local mobile phone, service line 24/7
Transfers according to the itinerary,

What’s not included

Single room supplement
Solo traveler supplement
Entrance fee National parks Lovcen, Lake Skadar
Entrance fees to sights
Tasting, boatrides
Arrival/departure transfers
Lunches and dinner
Drinks

How do self-guided tours in Montenegro work?

Self-guided tours: travel independently but with the support of our back-up service With a few exceptions, we offer all our tours as a self-guided options, to suit independent travelers. Enjoy the freedom and flexibility to walk, hike or bike at your own pace, taking breaks whenever you like, while we organize the logistics for you: accommodation, including breakfast; luggage transfers; detailed tour planning; a comprehensive information package, maps and GPS trackers. We’re always on the end of the phone, for emergencies or queries, so you won’t feel on your own. Thanks to our established partnerships along all routes we can ensure quick and efficient help in case of emergencies.

What guided tours do you offer?

Guided tours – explore and experience – with a knowledgeable tour guide
If you value perfect organization and would enjoy the security of exploring with an experienced guide are perfect for you. From accommodation to food and transportation – everything is arranged. Our trained and certified guides accompany you throughout your entire trip. Guides are friendly and flexible, and can adapt the schedule according to the wishes of the group, changes in the weather or unexpected events. Usually a support vehicle follows the group all the time.

What is the standard of accommodations?

You will mostly stay in 3* hotels (4* on request) or in private lodgings (apartments, mountain huts, shepherds’ cottages) selected because of their charm or, sometimes, because they’re the only option in a remote location. We have selected small family-run hotels and cosy guesthouses wherever possible, with a good atmosphere and hosts happy to fill you in on the history and culture of their specific Montenegrin region. All rooms have private facilities with the exception of certain mountain guesthouses, mountain huts or shepherds’ cottages.

What meals are included?

Breakfast is included at all accommodation and also in your package price. Evening meals are available for an additional charge, either at the accommodation or at nearby restaurant. We are happy to provide dining recommendations. Most accommodations also offer packed lunch service (€ 5-6), please let them know in the evening of your departure. If you like you can book an halfboard option for an extra cost. This food will be usually served at the overnight place. We do recommend this option for the “Northern Nationalparks” walk and the “Peaks of the Balkans”.

Which extra spendings do I have to expect?

You will need money only for lunches, dinners and drinks. A typical dinner costs between 15-20 €, a light lunch is € 8- € 10 and a liter of red wine from €10 – €12. Coffee is € 1,2 – € 2,4 and a small beer (0,3l) € 1,2 – € 1,7. Entrance fees to National Parks € 2 – € 4/person These are paid right at entrance gates. The ferry passage in the Bay of Kotor is € 2/person.
ATM machines are common in most cities and towns. But more challenging is trying paying with a credit card in remote places. Cash is the most easy way of payment and luckily, because of the prices in Montenegro, you don’t need much of it.

Which fitness level do the tours require?

You should feel healthy and sound so you can fully enjoy the trip. The walks of the “Northern National Parks” and the “Peaks of the Balkans” do require walks up to 7hrs and an elevation gain and loss up to 1100m. In terms of those two tours keep in mind that they take place in quite some remote areas. You need to be shurefooted. There a no exposed sections.
The “Bay of Kotor and coastal walks” are more gentle and require 5-6 hrs and elevation gains up to +900 and lead across less remote areas.

What happens in a case of emergency?

Because of the partly remoteness of this tour will take you, is quite necessary that you let 3etravel know in advance of possible medical conditions. In case of emergency always get in touch with us with the local mobile phone we provide you, 24/7. We have a well established network of institutions and people along the routes who can as fast as possible respond to help you.
Should you join a guided tour, all our guides are competent in first aid techniques and will do everything to sort out the situation in the most professional manner.

What personal equipment should I bring with me?

It is important to layer your clothing for different climates, as our tour may go through cool high mountain passes on one day and warm valley lowlands on the next. Rain in the mountains can occur unexpectedly. Here a link to our multi activity packlist:

What does Montenegro’s cuisine taste like?

Montenegro’s natural diversity is reflected your plate or in your glass. We recommend to ask for local dishes which each restaurant will proudly present to you. In the northern and central parts sheep and beef are popular and very delicious. In the central part, Podgorica, Cetinje and Lake Skadar you lake fish, vegetables and of course a glass of “Vranac” wine will make your day. Always ask for local cheese, since cheese is a very essential part of Montenegrin cuisine. Cheese from Njegusi, Pljevlja or Kolasin are the most wellknown but any homemade cheese will match those easily in quality and taste. Coastal Montenegro offers of course fish and seafood. Eg. in the Bay of Kotor we are happy to organize you an oyster and mussels tasting right at the mussels farm – a nice treat while cycling. Another highlight for your tastebuds is Montenegrin olive oil which is produced all along the coast from Ulcinj to Herceg Novi.

Do you offer add- on food tasting experiences?

You can spice up any of our tours with tastings of local products. We encourage you to taste wine, olive oil, honey, dairy, ham, oysters with wonderful families along our way. Wine & food tasting experience are from € 10 – € 25/person depending on the kind of tasting. Please get in touch with us on details.

What add-on tours and activities can I book?

Should you wish to dig deeper in a certain topic or into the history of a place please contact us we gladly organize the perfect expert for you. We can link you to local activity providers eg. City tour, Bird watching, sea kayaking, (speed) boat tours, crafters, cooking classes etc.