Tourist Thread 2025

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[u/New-Opening8797]

9-Day Montenegro Itinerary: Our Plan, Any Advice?

Itinerary

Hi everyone,

My girlfriend and I have planned a trip to Montenegro from September 20th to 29th. We'll be arriving in Podgorica on the afternoon of the 20th and flying out from there on the afternoon of the 29th. We've rented a car for the entire duration of the trip.

We've put together the following itinerary and would love to hear your thoughts. Is it too packed? Did we miss anything important or should we change anything? All tips are welcome!

• Day 1 (20/09): Arrive in Podgorica, pick up the rental car, and transfer to Budva for a walk through the Old Town (Stari Grad).
• Day 2 (21/09): Budva, beach relaxation, a boat trip to the Blue Grotto (Plava Špilja), and a visit to the village of Sveti Stefan (Santo Stefano).
• Day 3 (22/09): Transfer to Kotor (Cattaro), visit the Mausoleum in Lovćen National Park, explore Kotor's Old Town, and hike up to St. John's Fortress (Castel San Giovanni).
• Day 4 (23/09): Visit Perast and the Our Lady of the Rocks (Gospa od Škrpjela) island, then transfer to Žabljak.
• Day 5 (24/09): Žabljak, walk around Black Lake (Crno Jezero) and the surrounding Durmitor National Park.
• Day 6 (25/09): Rafting in the Tara Canyon.
• Day 7 (26/09): Travel to Nikšić, visit Ostrog Monastery, and transfer to Podgorica.
• Day 8 (27/09): Boat trip on Lake Skadar (Lago di Scutari) with wine tasting in Virpazar.
• Day 9 (28/09): Excursion to Cetinje (Cettigne), the old royal capital, and a guided tour of Lipa Cave.
• Day 10 (29/09): Free morning in Podgorica and departure.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

[u/erkomap → u/New-Opening8797]

Skip Budva, too crowded, plus blue cave will not be open to visitors starting from September & Sveti Stefan is closed to the public due to an ongoing trial between the country and lessee - Visit Herceg Novi instead

Day 3 is chaotic, visit mausoleum (driving up) then going back down to Kotor then a hike up to the fort of San Giovanni - I mean whatever floats your boat, but it is going to be a "rushed" day for sure

Also, day 4 Perast - Žabljak, quite a long ride - expect Perast to be crowded

[u/New-Opening8797 → u/erkomap]

Hi erkomap, thanks for the great tips! We’ve adjusted our plan based on your advice.

• Blue Cave & Sveti Stefan: We'll skip the cave and stick to a simple boat trip in the bay. We know Sveti Stefan is closed, but we still want to take photos from a distance.
• Budva & Herceg Novi: We're cutting one night in Budva and will now stay two nights in Kotor, which gives us time to visit Herceg Novi.
• Day 3 Rush: You're right, that day was too packed. We've moved the Lovcen NP visit to Day 2 to make things less rushed.

We know Day 4 will be a long drive to Žabljak, so we'll start early to enjoy the day as much as possible.

Thanks again for the help! Here is the updated plan:

• Day 1 (20/09): Arrive in Podgorica, rental car, transfer to Budva Old Town.
• Day 2 (21/09): beach relexation (is there any nice beach between Budva and Sveti Stefan?), Sveti Stefan photos. Afternoon: Lovcen NP and Mausoleum. Transfer to Kotor.
• Day 3 (22/09): Boat trip in the Bay of Kotor, with a little stop in Perast, explore Kotor Old Town and hike to St. John's Fortress.
• Day 4 (23/09): Visit Perast and Herceg Novi, then drive to Žabljak.

Do you think it will work? 😄

[u/erkomap → u/New-Opening8797]

You don't need Perast in 2 days, it is a very small village that you can explore in 30 minutes (if you're not a huge history buff, just walk around a bit if you want and go to Our Laddy of the Rocks directly)

That way you don't loose time on day 4 and can spend more time in Herceg Novi

Also, between Sveti Stefan and Budva is Kamenovo beach - late September it shouldn't be too crowded and is a very nice beach

[u/New-Opening8797 → u/erkomap]

Hi Erkomap,
thank you so much for the tips. So you think Herceg Novi really deserves a proper visit!

Thanks again, bye!