From the bay to the lake
- Day 1
Kotor
Overnight inKotorFrom Tivat airport to Kotor is about ten minutes. In the afternoon explore the Old Town on foot, from the Sea Gate to St Tryphon's Cathedral. About 1,350 steps lead up the walls to St John's Fortress (some 45 minutes' climb); in summer late afternoon is best, when it is cooler and the cruise ships are leaving.
Stops
- Day 2
Perast and the cable car to Lovćen
Driving: 28 km · 50 minOvernight inKotorIn the morning drive 25 minutes to Perast and take a boat from the waterfront to the island of Our Lady of the Rocks. In the afternoon head back towards Kotor and ride the cable car from Dub station up to Kuk at 1,348 metres (11 minutes, May to October). If it is not running, stay by the bay in Dobrota or Prčanj.
- Day 3
Lovćen and Cetinje
Driving: 55 km · 1 hr 30 minOvernight inCetinjeUp the hairpins above Kotor it is about half an hour to Njeguši, and another 15 minutes from there to Njegoš's Mausoleum on Jezerski vrh. The road down to Cetinje takes about 35 minutes: some 55 km and an hour and a half of driving in all, which leaves plenty of time for the town.
In Cetinje visit the Cetinje Monastery, the museums and the streets of former embassies. The town is quiet in the evening and rooms cost less than on the coast.
- Day 4
Rijeka Crnojevića and Lake Skadar
Driving: 89 km · 2 hr 10 minOvernight inBudvaFrom Cetinje to Rijeka Crnojevića is about twenty minutes. See the old stone bridge, then follow the narrow road along the lake to Virpazar, about 50 minutes. Boats on Lake Skadar leave from Virpazar, with trips from an hour or two to half a day. A national park ticket is charged for the lake.
The wineries of Crmnica are around Virpazar, so this is a good day for a tasting (let someone else drive). Budva is about an hour away.
- Day 5
Budva, Sveti Stefan and Petrovac
Driving: 18 km · 30 minIn the morning walk through the Old Town of Budva before the beaches fill up. The viewpoint above Sveti Stefan is 15 minutes away and Petrovac, with its beach and promenade, half an hour. For your departure: from Budva to Tivat airport is about 25 minutes, and to Podgorica airport about an hour and a half.
Without a car
Stay two nights in Kotor and three in Budva. Buses between Kotor and Budva are frequent, and you reach Perast by bus on the Herceg Novi line or by excursion boat. For Lovćen and Cetinje take an organised tour or the bus from Budva. Lake Skadar is easiest as a tour from Budva; Virpazar also has a railway station on the Bar–Podgorica line.
Don't miss
Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks
A small Baroque town on the bay and the island church in front of it, a few minutes by boat.
View
Cetinje
The old royal capital with the Cetinje Monastery and museums. You spend night three here.
View
Lake Skadar
A boat trip from Virpazar through reeds and water lilies, with the wineries of Crmnica close by.
View
Budva
An old town on a peninsula, beaches and a promenade. The end of the trip, close to Tivat airport.
View
Did you know?
Virpazar, where the Lake Skadar boats leave from, also has a railway station on the Bar–Podgorica line, so you can reach the lake by train.
Good to know
Good to know
May, June, September and October. On Lake Skadar spring brings birds and fresh green, while summer in Virpazar is hot, so take the boat in the morning.
Tip
Changing rooms
Three bases mean packing twice. If you would rather not, stay three nights in Kotor and one in Budva and visit Cetinje from Kotor.
Tip
The lake boat
An hour or two is enough for a short trip. Agree the price and length before you set off and ask whether the park ticket is included.
Tip
The lake road
The road from Rijeka Crnojevića to Virpazar is narrow and winding, with few places to pass. Drive slowly.
Tip
Wineries
If you plan a tasting in Crmnica, contact the winery in advance and decide who drives.
Tip
Cruise ships in Kotor
Visit the walls and Old Town when fewer ships are in port; the Port of Kotor publishes the arrivals notice.
