Let's talk about sightseeing tours in Montenegro, cost of programs, where to book and more.
Montenegro offers an affordable and well-organized holiday on the picturesque beaches of the Adriatic. It boasts Orthodox monasteries, medieval sights, beautiful lakes, national parks, the charming capital Podgorica, and the resort town of Budva - truly a diverse Balkan country.
This stunningly beautiful and vibrant region known as Montenegro attracts tens of thousands of tourists from around the world each year. They come to soak up the sunshine by the sea and explore the country's unique charm.
Where to Go
Montenegro offers an incredibly diverse range of leisure activities. Many tourists return time and again, always discovering something new and unexplored. For first-time visitors, it's recommended to start by exploring the most important sights to get a fundamental impression of the country.
Budva
Budva, founded in the 12th century, is renowned for its ancient fortress. It's often referred to as the capital of tourist Montenegro, as most travelers flock there every summer.
All the main attractions are located in the old part of the city, where Roman patricians built their villas, and Emperor Justinian ordered the construction of a Christian basilica. You'll find the fortress (Citadel) and the archaeological museum there, with an entrance fee of 2.5 EUR.
The towers of the Citadel provide a stunning panorama of the entire city and the seascape. This is an ideal spot for impressive photography and views of the moored ships off the shore. Visitors recommend coming on a bright sunny day or closer to sunset for incredibly beautiful photos.
The cost of a guided tour starts from 40 EUR, regardless of the number of participants.
Lovcen Reserve and Montenegro's Shrines
This tour includes a guided trip to Cetinje, where you can explore the monastery complex with its holy places and unique relics. Cetinje is considered one of Montenegro's most beautiful areas and was once the country's capital, often referred to as "the soul of Montenegro." Besides the monastery, the city features numerous palaces, museums, and other attractions.
The tour continues to the famous Lovcen Park, a national park boasting the highest mountain in the park, and a mausoleum where Petar I Petrovic Negos is buried. Visitors can enjoy picturesque Montenegro scenery from a large viewing platform near the mausoleum.
As you proceed to the village of Negushi, the birthplace of Petar Njegoš, you'll have the unique opportunity to taste prschut and Negushi cheese. The guide will arrange photo stops at scenic spots along the way for beautiful pictures.
The price of the entire guided tour is approximately 100 EUR for 1 - 4 people, while a trip by rented car starts at 25 EUR.
Grlo Sokolovo Gorge, Niagara Falls, and a Winery in Godinje
Embark on an incredibly rich program that allows you to experience the uniqueness of Montenegro in places seldom seen by ordinary tourists. Prepare to venture into protected areas, driving along winding mountain roads with a knowledgeable guide. During this adventure, you'll visit local winemakers and be treated to breathtaking views, including a glimpse of neighboring Albania below.
The main route of the trip includes:
The journey commences at Montenegro's very own Niagara Falls, a waterfall created over a century and a half ago to power water mills.
You'll explore the ruins of an Illyrian fortress and the City of Medun.
A visit to the Church of St. Nicholas is also on the itinerary.
Your adventure will take you to Bukumir Lake, hidden among snow-covered mountain peaks, boasting scenery reminiscent of Alpine reservoirs.
In the charming village of Kuchka Koryta, nestled in the mountain plain, you'll have the opportunity to savor delicious homemade cheese and kaimak.
To experience these wonders and indulge in Montenegrin cuisine, the guided tour is available for approximately 125 EUR (for 1 to 5 people) or 245 EUR if you prefer to rent a car.
Kotor
Kotor, a city founded as early as the 5th century BC, is a historical gem in its own right. Encircled by the Fortress Wall, the second-largest in the world, it attracts a multitude of travelers.
The best way to explore Kotor is with an organized group or a private guide. The city boasts a plethora of quaint old streets, each with its own unique history. An experienced guide will share insights about these streets and the ancient houses that line them.
The tour program includes:
Wall climbing: An opportunity for all to ascend the walls, providing an exciting and somewhat extreme experience. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothing that shields you from the sun's UV rays if you choose to partake.
Photoshoot: Once atop the walls, you'll appreciate the beauty of Boko Bay and capture stunning photos.
Sailing on Boko Bay: The program includes a transfer to a yacht for a sail on Boka-Kotor Bay, where you'll have the chance to see the picturesque coastal town of Perast.
This tour is available at approximately 25 EUR for adults, with a 50% discount for children up to 11 years old, and free admission for kids up to 3 years old, provided they do not require a separate seat.
Wine Roads of Montenegro
When considering souvenirs from Montenegro, local wine undoubtedly tops the list. An organized tour through the wine routes of Montenegro offers you the opportunity to:
Taste the original flavors of drinks from local winemakers.
Meet the winery owners, explore vineyards in mountain valleys, and learn the secrets of wine production in Montenegro.
Enjoy tastings of several varieties of wine and rakija along with classic table appetizers like prschut, cheese, and olives.
Purchase quality Montenegrin wine.
Learn about the peculiarities of grape farming in the region.
As you make your way to the wineries, you'll ascend above the sea coast, offering breathtaking panoramic views. Along the route, you'll encounter many charming villages surrounded by local vineyards, perfect for interesting landscape photos and selfies. You can also venture to Skadar Lake and explore the coast of the Budvan Riviera.
The total cost of such an organized trip is affordable for any tourist, around 100 EUR for participants ranging from 1 to 4 people, with transportation costs already included in the price.
Skadar Lake and Crnojevica River
This rather large body of water is a national treasure and a part of the park. It's home to a diverse range of bird species, about 200 in total, and the lake itself is extremely rich in fish. Fishing is allowed, but a license is required in advance.
Tourist services in Montenegro provide opportunities for organized fishing trips, which can be combined with a tour. This tour is worth booking simply for the breathtaking surrounding landscapes.
The tour program includes:
The opportunity to boat on the lake, with an optional swim if desired.
Visit a nearby village, then proceed down the Crnojevica River, which flows into the lake. You'll also reach this destination by boat. The total length of the lake is approximately 13 kilometers.
Take a trip to the quaint town of Rijeka Crnojevića, once a bustling trading center. You'll encounter many interesting villages, with fishing being the main occupation of their inhabitants.
Explore ancient temples where even today's worshippers offer their prayers.
The tour costs approximately 40 EUR for adults, with a 50% discount for children under 11 years old. Infants aged 0 to 4 years old, provided they travel in their parents' arms, can join for free. The boat tour and lunch can be included in the overall tour cost.
Excursion to Ostrog Monastery and Podgorica
This guided tour will take you to two significant places in Montenegro. The main purpose of this trip is to explore Montenegro's top sanctuary - Ostrog Monastery. It's considered one of the three most visited holy places in the world after Jerusalem and Mount Athos in Greece. Inside, you can find the relics of Saint Basil of Ostrog, one of the most revered elders worldwide.
The second attraction included in this tour is the Cathedral Church of the Resurrection located in the capital, Podgorica. This cathedral is notable for its size, standing at 41.5 meters tall, adorned with seven gilded crosses and 17 bells, including the largest one weighing 11 tons. The interior of the temple is crafted from various types of granite and marble.
Adults can join this organized tour of these holy places for starting from 25 EUR, with children paying half the price.
Fish Picnic
This tour is all about relaxation and entertainment, with no informative component. It's often chosen as a leisure activity towards the end of the vacation season.
The tour is essentially a boat trip along the coast, offering a combination of lunch and various refreshments along the way.
The itinerary of this trip includes:
A leisurely cruise along the picturesque beaches of the Budva Riviera. You'll have opportunities to disembark for swimming and relaxation.
A journey from Budva to Petrovac, and vice versa. This excursion typically lasts for half a day.
The cost of this boat tour, including lunch, is approximately 40 EUR, with a discount of up to 50% for children.
Cost of Excursions
If you're interested in determining the approximate price of a tour, consider these factors:
Transportation
This includes expenses for bus rental, driver fees, and fuel costs.
Guide
Payment for the services of the tour guide.
Other Activities
Additional costs associated with the trip, such as entrance fees, insurance, lunch or dinner, etc.
The final price of a tour can vary significantly, ranging from 25 to 250 EUR. Keep in mind:
If you opt for lower prices, you might miss out on exciting places and events as the tour may only include pick-up and drop-off.
Consider the size of the vehicle, as larger buses might provide less personalized information from the guide.
For reference, consider the cost of a luxury bus ride from Budva to Zabljak, which is 16.5 EUR one way. Doubling this cost and adding the guide's fee, as well as entrance fees, provides a rough estimate for a canyon excursion, which should not cost less than 40 EUR.
Discounts on Tours
When booking travel tours online, many agencies offer discounts:
Booking 3 tours or more can lead to savings of approximately 3 - 7%.
Some companies provide automatic price reductions when you pay for 3 or more excursions in one payment.
Children under 12 often receive a 50% discount, and children under 4 who travel without a seat, in the arms of an adult, may travel for free.
Additionally, there's an opportunity to get a discount of up to 10% by booking early for most group excursions. To qualify:
Make a reservation.
Ensure you make an advance payment no earlier than one month before the tour starts.
Keep in mind that discounts may not be available for active vacations.
Where to Book a Tour
While Montenegro is known for its coastal resorts, many travelers visit not just for beach relaxation but also for its relatively inexpensive and high-quality excursion programs. Finding an exciting tour at the right price is a crucial task for travelers.
At a Travel Kiosk or from a Beach-Side Salesman
This method is the most budget-friendly, but you should be aware of the lower quality of the tours. Despite initial promises of guides who can speak your language, they often fall short, and most conversations during the tour might be in English.
An unpleasant surprise can be the additional fees for entry to main tourist sites. As a result, many travelers end up dissatisfied with such tours due to organizational issues and more.
In the Travel Agent's Office
This option is better than the previous one in terms of information quality. The agency offers guarantees of having a Russian-speaking guide and following the program.
However, this method can be overpriced, as many of these agencies cater to novice travelers who may be hesitant to book elsewhere. Another drawback is that some travel agency representatives can be irresponsible, leading to long waiting times.
On the Internet on Specialized Sites
This method is considered the most effective in terms of time and cost savings. Many travelers search for vouchers on specific websites. Since most of these agencies don't have physical offices, avoid excessive advertising, and have fewer managers, their offers can be up to 30% cheaper.
The only drawback in this case is the requirement to:
book your order in advance
make a pre-payment of 20% of the tour price
Buying a tour online offers the advantage of being able to compare all the market's offers, evaluate their individual features, and choose the most attractive options.
Travel Alone or Book a Guide
In Montenegro, like elsewhere, you have the option to explore through individual or group excursions or plan your own independent travel itinerary.
Independent Travel
Experienced travelers often prefer organizing independent trips with rental cars. If you choose this option, consider the following:
Plan your route in advance;
Ensure you have the necessary driving documents;
Familiarize yourself with the country's traffic rules.
Drawbacks of independent travel include:
Lack of a professional guide
who can provide in-depth information about the sights.
It's discouraged for the driver to sample local wines
which may limit your participation in some sightseeing activities.
Independent trips are convenient in cities like Tivat, Kotor, Perast, Sveti Stefan, and Petrovac, which are well-connected along the Montenegrin coast.
For solo travelers, having access to information and support is essential. In addition to online resources about specific locations, consider installing free mapping apps like MAPS.Me and Google Maps on your smartphone, which provide detailed walking routes.
Personalized Tours
Individually organized excursions in Montenegro follow a specific plan. The cost for such programs generally ranges from 140 to 300 EUR for a car accommodating 1 to 4 participants. For a 6-seat car, expect to pay around 40-50 EUR.
Advantages of personalized tours include:
You can request the guide to adjust the itinerary
and exclude places of less interest to you.
Negotiating service fees
can be possible to some extent.
Travel in a comfortable car
or a small minibus if you're in a group.
You have control over your time
so you can spend more time at interesting places and skip less captivating ones.
Individualized tours are highly informative
as the guide's attention is focused on you or your small group.
Group travel
Group trips of up to 30 people also allow you to learn a lot of new and interesting things about Montenegro. They are especially popular when a person has a great desire to see as much of the local sights as possible, but is somewhat financially constrained.
Benefits of group tours:
Budget-friendly.
Very many tour companies offer good discounts on group tours, and the spread of total costs for each tour participant makes the price of the tour very attractive to everyone.
Informative.
Often the guides in such cases are locals, well informed about the history of their country, and speak Russian quite well.
Safe
.
Orders placed for such tours with prepayment are considered the safest for tourists. The remaining amount is usually paid on the day of the tour directly to the organizer himself, which is very convenient for vacationers.
Disadvantages of group tours are:
Inability to adjust the program "to suit yourself".
There you have to obey the general rules made by the guide for everyone.
Inconveniences.
Sometimes in such companies you may meet people with problematic behavior or character.
The peculiarities of organizing tours in Montenegro
In the high season, day tours are organized every day. Usually, the period of such organized trips is from mid-June to the end of September.
In the mid-season period, which lasts from April to mid-June and from late September to October, tours are organized only if groups with enough participants are recruited. Tours are most often organized on weekends.
In the low season (late fall and winter), there are no group tours at all. If you decide to go on an individual tour during this period, it is imperative that you make arrangements with a guide in advance.
Holidays in Montenegro attract visitors from all over the world largely because the country offers a rare opportunity for Europe to combine different types of recreation. Bathing and sunbathing are perfectly combined with therapeutic procedures, and they, in turn, do not interfere with long walks and excursions. Be sure to take advantage of the unique opportunity to try everything, and after visiting this country you will have your own, unique and inimitable route to your favorite places of magical Montenegro.
