Minuscule in geographical size and population, tiny Montenegro punches above its weight in terms of incredible tourism attractions. Once an undiscovered part of Europe, this Balkan gem is quickly becoming a top travel destination for those who love rugged mountains, serene beaches, historic towns and warm hospitality. And because it’s such a small package, there is no better way to experience Montenegro than by taking a day tour.
However, choosing the right tour can be a challenge, especially for first-time visitors. With so many options, it’s important to find a tour that not only covers the most popular sights but also takes you to the best kept secrets in a hassle-free, fun and comfortable way. That is why we recommend 360 Monte and the Great Montenegro Tour. 360 Monte have over 1,000 5-star reviews on Tripadvisor and this tour is one of their best.
Why Book the Great Montenegro Day Tour with 360 Monte?
Montenegro is diverse, with lots to see and do, and with limited time it can be hard to know where to begin. If you only have two or three days, then you will need to research and prioritize accordingly to ensure you don’t miss out on anything special. But scrolling the internet for hours is draining and at the end of it you still might not know where to go. Luckily, 360 Monte can help. Here is why you should book the Great Montenegro Tour:
- Experienced and Informed Tour Guides: The tour is led by professional guides who have a wealth of knowledge in all things Montenegro. They provide detailed info on each location, while keeping the atmosphere casual and light-hearted. The guides can also speak fluent English – making it an ideal tour for anyone coming from the US or UK. Plus the drivers are fantastic, something that customers have commented on.
- Meet Other Travelers in a Small Group Setting: A minimum of four people is required for the tour to go ahead, so it’s a nice way to meet other travelers if you are heading on a solo or couples trip. You will be able to share the experience together and create memories that will last a lifetime. Get to know people from different countries as you chat away in the minibus/minivan and soak up the landscapes on the drive.
- Scenic Routes and Stops Along the Way: Throughout this day tour, you will get the chance to cruise along scenic routes such as the Old Austro-Hungarian Road. This famous road boasts 25 serpentines that transport you up higher for breathtaking views. Several stops are made on the serpentines to admire the panoramas and take photos. You will also drive in and out of national parks which are arguably more picturesque.
- Get Introduced to Montenegrin Cuisine: No trip to Montenegro is complete without trying the local food and on this tour you will have the opportunity to do just that. At Njegusi, Montenegro’s most famous village, you stop for breakfast at the country’s oldest restaurant. This village is known for its smoked ham and cheese, as well as other traditional dishes. Lunch is also included on the tour at a quiet spot on the Crnojevic River.
- Enjoy a Boat Ride and Go Swimming: Once lunch has settled, guests enjoy a scenic and relaxing boat ride on the Crnojevic River. The river feeds directly into Skadar Lake and is similar in appearance with lush vegetation, water lilies and an array of bird-life on offer. Depending on the weather, and probably only possible in summertime, you can change into your swimsuit and take a quick dip in the river – the perfect way to cool down.
All of these elements combine to make the Great Montenegro Tour great in every sense. But by no means are they the only highlights to expect. The tour lasts up to 12 hours and is so action-packed that no other tour needs to be booked on your short stay in Montenegro. It offers an epic mixture of nature, history and culture, and a wide range of destinations that give you a broad view of the country locals call Crna Gora (Black Mountain).
Great Montenegro Tour Itinerary from 9:00 am – 8:30 pm
The Great Montenegro Day Tour kicks off in Kotor at 9:00 am, where you will meet your guide and fellow travelers before setting off on the adventure. First on the itinerary is a drive up the serpentines (mentioned above), with several stops so you can capture the unique views of Boka Bay. The Bay of Kotor has been ranked as one of the most beautiful bays in the world and you won’t be arguing with that description once there.
Njegusi is the next point of interest where the best handmade prosciutto and cheese in Montenegro awaits. You will arrive at 10:30 am ready for breakfast at a restaurant that was first opened in 1881. You might think it’s too early for alcohol but your guide will invite you to sample a shot of Rakija, which is a strong local brandy, before or after the meal. Then you will head to Lovcen National Park to visit the Mausoleum of Petar II Petrovic-Njegos.
The mausoleum is perched on Mount Lovcen at a height of 1,660 meters, where stunning views of the surrounding landscape can be taken in after walking up 460 steps. Petar II Petrovic-Njegos was a famous poet and ruler. Before getting there, the drive through the national park will leave you enchanted. Afterwards, the group ventures down the mountain past Ivanova Korita and towards the gorgeous old royal capital of Cetinje.
Between 1:00 and 2:00 pm, you arrive at Cetinje for a walking tour. There are many cultural and historical landmarks to witness here such as former embassies, important monuments, spiritual monasteries and magnificent palaces. Following this, guests stop for a traditional Montenegrin lunch by the Crnojevic River. Before grabbing a bite to eat though, Skadar Lake comes into frame with its splendid greenery and wildlife.
In the late afternoon, the aforementioned boat ride takes place on the river and then it’s time to depart to Saint Stefan for a classic photo op. St Stefan is one of Montenegro’s most photographed places but seeing the resort island in person is much more impressive. Finally, the tour concludes by enjoying a tranquil drive to Budva (for all who need to get dropped off) and to the Old Town of Kotor. The sun then sets on a remarkable day.
What Customers are Saying About the Great Montenegro Tour
360 Monte is one of Tripadvisor’s highest rated tour operators in Kotor and the Great Montenegro Tour has become a favorite with people visiting the country on a short trip. Customers constantly rave about the wonderful combo of destinations (a mix of popular sights and hidden gems), friendly tour guides and phenomenal food. Don’t just take it from us though. Have a read of some of their reviews below to see what all the fuss is about:
“My partner and I did the ‘Great Montenegro Tour’. It was fantastic! I recommend it to everyone as it’s a great way to learn about the culture and history of Montenegro, witness what life is like away from the touristy areas and experience the beautiful landscapes which the country has to offer. A huge thanks to our guide Vanja, who was extremely pleasant, kind and knowledgeable and passionate about Montenegro.” – Cameron Reed.
“We did the Great Montenegro Tour with Ognjen. It was one of the highlights of our trip. In one day, we not only saw some of the most beautiful sites in the country, but we also had a real taste of the culture thanks to our guide. Ognjen was friendly, funny and created a good atmosphere within the group. We enjoyed it as a small group (7 people). We totally recommend this tour, especially with Ognjen!” – Beatrice Delage.
How to Book the Great Montenegro Day Tour and Get a 10% Discount
Booking the Great Montenegro Tour is easy. Simply visit the tour page on the 360 Monte website, click Book Now and select your date. You can also choose a pickup location if you are based out of Kotor, for example: in Budva or Herceg Novi. Don’t forget to use the promo code “MAGWORLD” to receive a 10% discount. This is an exclusive offer for our readers and is the perfect way to save money while experiencing Montenegro.
Final Tips for the Great Montenegro Day Tour with 360 Monte
To ensure you have an unforgettable time on the Great Montenegro Day Tour, here are some tips to keep in mind. First of all, dress comfortably. The tour involves a bit of walking and climbing up to reach the Mausoleum of Petar II Petrovic-Njegos. If you do it in summer, bring a hat and sunscreen for sun protection. Montenegro sees temperatures in the high 20s and early 30s (degrees Celsius) in summer, with July being the hottest month.
Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture photos along the way. This is an experience you will look back on forever, and having a few photos in your digital and physical albums is always nice. Another must bring item is cash. Although the tour includes breakfast, lunch and a boat ride, you might want to bring some cash with you to buy additional drinks or snacks and souvenirs. Also, tipping is encouraged if you feel the tour is worthy of that.
When being presented with the local food, try to stay open-minded. The cuisine is loved by most but some are fearful to eat outside of their comfort zone. Even if you don’t love the food, it will still be an experience and you never know if you don’t try. Throughout the tour, you should be attentive to what the guide is saying. Come with an open heart and positive attitude. It will make a world of difference and you will learn so much.
It goes without saying that you should be on time – tours can turn sour if one person is late and dragging the group down – and respect the culture and environment of Montenegro. This hidden gem of the Balkans has a unique heritage and pristine environment, and it’s best to keep it that way. By following these tips, you guarantee that you will have a pleasant experience on the Great Montenegro Tour. So, what are you waiting for?!
