Montenegro Travel Itinerary – A Private Scenic Trip from Dubrovnik

Your Montenegro scenic trip begins with a pickup from Dubrovnik, Tivat, Podgorica, or Tirana. As we cross into Montenegro, the landscape shifts quickly into steep mountains rising over deep blue waters. Our route leads directly to Kotor, one of the Adriatic’s most extraordinary medieval towns.

Upon arrival in Kotor, we will explore the Old Town, a maze of narrow stone streets, Venetian palaces, old churches, and lively squares. Entering through the Sea Gate, you will feel the weight of the city’s long history, shaped by centuries of trade, conflict, and culture. The Cathedral of Saint Tryphon stands as one of the most important architectural landmarks, and walking through Kotor’s compact quarters reveals countless details carved in stone.

From Kotor, the journey continues toward Budva, a coastal city known for its 2500 years of history. The Old Town of Budva offers charming streets, Roman ruins, and a seaside fortress with remarkable views of the Adriatic. As evening approaches, Budva’s coastline becomes a perfect place to relax, dine, and enjoy the sea breeze.

Overnight in Budva.

Our morning is dedicated to exploring Budva and its jewels.

We leave Budva behind with a scenic drive south along the coast until we reach the famous viewpoint overlooking Sveti Stefan. Once a fortified island village and now one of Montenegro’s most iconic images, the red rooftops of Sveti Stefan contrast beautifully with the turquoise sea.

Our final destination of the day is Kolašin, a mountain town known for its fresh alpine air and traditional cuisine. With the surrounding peaks and forests, Kolašin provides an ideal base for exploring Montenegro’s northern landscapes.

Overnight in Kolašin

After breakfast we drive to one of Montenegro’s greatest natural treasures, Biogradska Gora National Park. This park is home to one of the last remaining primeval forests in Europe. At its center lies Biogradsko Lake, a peaceful glacial lake surrounded by ancient trees reflected in still waters. Walking along the lakeshore offers a quiet moment in untouched nature.

Leaving Kolašin behind, we head toward Žabljak, the highest town in the Balkans and the gateway to Durmitor National Park. Žabljak sits surrounded by high plateaus and dramatic peaks and serves as the perfect starting point for one of Montenegro’s most impressive routes, the Durmitor Ring.

The Durmitor Ring is a full-day 4×4 adventure that reveals the wild heart of Montenegro. This remote route passes through mountain villages, winds along narrow roads carved into cliffs, and opens into wide panoramas where flocks of sheep graze among rolling pastures. Each turn offers a new scene, from glacial valleys and isolated hamlets to stunning viewpoints over the limestone peaks of Durmitor. This is one of the most breathtaking experiences in Montenegro, a true immersion into the untouched Dinaric landscape.

Overnight in Žabljak.

After breakfast, we depart from Žabljak and travel south to one of Montenegro’s most remarkable places, Ostrog Monastery. Built high into a sheer vertical cliff, this 17th-century monastery appears almost suspended in the rock. It is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in the Balkans and a place of peace, reflection, and breathtaking views over the valley below. The upper monastery, carved directly into the mountain, holds particular significance for visitors.

From Ostrog, we continue to Cetinje, the old royal capital of Montenegro. Surrounded by mountains, Cetinje has long been the cultural and political center of the country. Its historic palaces, embassies, and museums tell the story of Montenegro’s struggle for independence and its royal heritage. Walking through Cetinje reveals a side of Montenegro very different from the coastal towns or high mountain villages.

Our Montenegro scenic trip concludes as we return to Kotor, where the tour ends. With the bay’s dramatic cliffs and calm waters before you, this final moment marks the end of a Montenegro travel itinerary filled with coastal history, spiritual landmarks, and unforgettable mountain landscapes.