Discovering Montenegro: A 7-Day Itinerary

• Day 1: Kotor - A stunning fortified town located at the end of a scenic bay. Walk along the cobblestone streets, admire the medieval architecture, and climb up the ancient walls to enjoy panoramic views of the bay.
• Day 2: Budva - A lovely coastal city adorned with sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and charming red-roofed houses. Visit the old town, relax on the beach, and explore the local cuisine.
• Day 3: Lovćen National Park - A natural paradise that offers pristine forests, rugged mountains, and breathtaking views. Hike to the top of Jezerski peak to see the mausoleum of Montenegro's most famous ruler, Petar II Petrović-Njegoš.
• Day 4: Biogradska Gora National Park - A verdant wonderland that boasts one of the last remaining primeval forests in Europe. Take a relaxing stroll around the famous Biogradska Lake, rent a canoe or hike to the nearby peaks for some adventure.
• Day 5: Skadar Lake - The largest freshwater lake in the Balkans that spans over two countries - Montenegro and Albania. Take a boat tour around the lake, visit picturesque medieval monasteries, and enjoy the local wine and cuisine.
• Day 6: Ostrog Monastery - A sacred site that holds great spiritual significance for the Orthodox Christians. The monastery, carved into a sheer cliff, is dedicated to Saint Basil of Ostrog and attracts pilgrims from all over the world.
• Day 7: Perast - A charming coastal village that encapsulates the Venetian and Mediterranean architecture. Feel the authentic fishing village atmosphere by visiting the historic churches, museums, and enjoying the local seafood.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Kotor (1 day, $50)
• Budva (1 day, $80)
• Lovćen National Park (1 day, $60)
• Biogradska Gora National Park (1 day, $70)
• Skadar Lake (1 day, $90)
• Ostrog Monastery (1 day, $30)
• Perast (1 day, $55)
Total Estimated Costs: $435

Transportation

Montenegro is a relatively small country, so renting a car can be a good option for exploring the sights. However, roads can be winding and narrow, so be careful while driving. Alternatively, public transport is accessible, efficient and more economical. Buses and minivans connect most of the major towns, and the express bus takes 15-20 minutes between the airport and Podgorica city center, costing around $5. Taxis are also readily available and relatively inexpensive.

Useful tips

If you have more time, you can do a road trip along Montenegro's famous coastal drives, visit additional national parks or spend more time on the lovely beaches. If you have less time, you can skip some of the destinations or focus on the ones that interest you the most. It is also recommended to bring comfortable walking shoes and a sweater or jacket, as weather can be unpredictable, especially in the mountainous regions.