7-Night Self-Drive Adventure Exploring Montenegro's Top Attractions from Podgorica

Day 1: Arrival & Podgorica

Podgorica, Montenegro on May 10, 2025

8:00pm

Arrival at Podgorica Airport

Arrive at Podgorica Airport and pick up your rental car for your Montenegro adventure. Transfer to your hotel in the city centre.
Included in flight, 0h30m

9:00pm

Dinner at Ćevabdžinica Stari Grad

Enjoy traditional Montenegrin grilled meats and local dishes at this popular restaurant near the city centre, open until 11pm.
EUR15, 1h
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Day 2: Cetinje & Lovćen

Cetinje/Lovćen National Park, Montenegro on May 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start the day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel before setting off on your drive to Cetinje.
Included in hotel, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Cetinje

Enjoy a scenic 45-minute drive (approx. 44 km) from Podgorica to Cetinje, the historic royal capital.
Car rental cost, 0h45m

9:45am

Visit Cetinje Monastery

Explore this important religious and historical site open 9am-5pm, showcasing Montenegro’s religious heritage.
EUR3, 1h

11:00am

Drive to Lovćen National Park

A 30-minute drive to the park known for stunning mountain views and Njegoš Mausoleum.
Car rental cost, 0h30m

11:30am

Hike to Njegoš Mausoleum

Climb about 461 steps to the mausoleum for panoramic views of Montenegro. Open 8am-6pm.
EUR3, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Vila Vučko

Enjoy traditional Montenegrin cuisine with spectacular views inside the national park.
EUR20, 1h

2:30pm

Drive to Kotor

Drive 1h15m (approx. 50 km) to the Bay of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Car rental cost, 1h15m

3:45pm

Explore Kotor Old Town

Stroll the medieval streets and visit landmarks like St. Tryphon Cathedral (open until 6pm).
Free entry, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Konoba Scala Santa

Relax with Dalmatian seafood specialties in a charming old town setting, open until 10pm.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 3: Bay of Kotor Cruise & Perast

Bay of Kotor, Montenegro on May 12, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel in Kotor

Enjoy a buffet breakfast at your hotel to prepare for your active day.
Included in hotel, 1h

8:30am

Boat tour of Bay of Kotor

Take a 2-hour boat trip around the bay including stops at Our Lady of the Rocks and other points of interest; tours depart around 9am.
EUR20, 2h

10:45am

Visit Our Lady of the Rocks

Explore this man-made island church and museum, open 9am-5pm.
EUR5, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch in Perast at Conte Restaurant

Enjoy fresh seafood and waterfront views in this picturesque village along the bay.
EUR20, 1h30m

1:30pm

Drive back to Kotor and relax

Short 15-minute drive back to Kotor. Afternoon for leisure or additional sightseeing.
Car rental cost, 0h15m

3:00pm

Climb Kotor Fortress Walls

Ascend the ancient walls for amazing views over Kotor and the bay; open daylight hours.
EUR8, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Galion

Fine dining with seafood specialties facing the bay, perfect for a memorable evening.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 4: Durmitor National Park

Žabljak, Montenegro on May 13, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast for the long drive to the mountainous Durmitor National Park.
Included in hotel, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Žabljak

Travel approx. 3.5 hours (approx. 150 km) to Žabljak, gateway to Durmitor National Park.
Car rental cost, 3h30m

11:30am

Visit Black Lake (Crno Jezero)

Stroll or cycle around this picturesque glacial lake, open access all day.
Free, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Lipa Restaurant

Sample mountain cuisine including hearty meat and cheese dishes in Žabljak.
EUR18, 1h

2:30pm

Drive to Tara River Canyon Viewpoints

Short drive to viewpoints overlooking the Tara River Canyon, Europe’s deepest canyon.
Car rental cost, 0h30m

3:00pm

Rafting on Tara River (optional)

Take a guided rafting tour on the Tara River; available from morning until late afternoon (advance booking recommended).
EUR50, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Hotel Restaurant

Enjoy a relaxed dinner at your hotel with local specialties.
EUR20, 1h
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Day 5: Tara Canyon & Ostrog Monastery

Durmitor / Ostrog / Podgorica, Montenegro on May 14, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Breakfast to recharge before heading south to Ostrog Monastery.
Included in hotel, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Ostrog Monastery

Drive approx. 2.5 hours (120 km) from Žabljak to the famous Ostrog Monastery built into the cliffside.
Car rental cost, 2h30m

11:00am

Visit Ostrog Monastery

Explore this spiritual site open 8am-6pm known for its unique architecture and pilgrimage importance.
Free, 1.5h

12:30pm

Lunch in nearby village

Enjoy a simple lunch in the village near Ostrog with traditional Montenegrin dishes.
EUR15, 1h

1:30pm

Drive to Podgorica

Return drive approx. 1h from Ostrog to Podgorica for your final night stay.
Car rental cost, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Podgorica City Centre

Visit landmarks such as Millennium Bridge and enjoy a coffee at a local café.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Pod Volat

Taste local specialties in a traditional Montenegrin setting, open until 10pm.
EUR20, 1h30m
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Day 6: Lake Skadar Day Trip

Lake Skadar National Park, Montenegro on May 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast before the day trip to Lake Skadar, the largest lake in the Balkans.
Included in hotel, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Lake Skadar National Park

40-minute drive (approx. 25 km) to Virpazar, the main gateway for lake tours.
Car rental cost, 0h40m

9:45am

Boat Tour of Lake Skadar

Take a 3-hour boat tour exploring the lake’s wildlife, historical monasteries, and scenic landscapes; boat tours run frequently throughout the day.
EUR20, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Konoba Scala Santa, Virpazar

Enjoy regional specialties like freshwater fish catch of the day.
EUR20, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Ancient Fortress Besac

Short hike to Besac Fortress for panoramic views of Lake Skadar.
Free, 1h30m

3:30pm

Return Drive to Podgorica

Drive back to Podgorica for a relaxing evening.
Car rental cost, 0h40m

6:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Pod Volat

Final dinner in Podgorica featuring Montenegrin cuisine and local wines.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 7: Relax & Podgorica sights

Podgorica, Montenegro on May 16, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a leisurely hotel breakfast before sightseeing.
Included in hotel, 1h

9:30am

Visit Millennium Bridge and Ribnica River

Enjoy a morning walk along the iconic Millennium Bridge and nearby riverbanks.
Free, 1h

10:30am

Visit King Nikola’s Castle

Explore the historical castle and its grounds, open for visitors until 5pm.
EUR5, 1h

11:30am

Coffee break at Pjeshka Cafe

Relax with a coffee and local pastries at this charming café in Podgorica.
EUR6, 45m

12:15pm

Lunch at Podgorica Market Area

Try local street food and fresh produce in the bustling market area.
EUR10, 1h

1:30pm

Leisure time or shopping

Spend the afternoon at leisure exploring shops or relaxing at your hotel.
Varies, 4h

6:30pm

Farewell Dinner at Restaurant Kralj Petar I

Enjoy a memorable final dinner with fine Montenegrin cuisine and excellent wine selection.
EUR30, 2h
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Day 8: Departure

Podgorica, Montenegro on May 17, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Light breakfast at the hotel before checking out.
Included in hotel, 1h

10:00am

Relax or last minute sightseeing

Enjoy the morning with relaxed sightseeing or packing.
Free, 5h

3:00pm

Drive to Podgorica Airport

Leave the hotel to return your rental car and prepare for your flight, allowing at least 1 hour for the drive.
Car rental cost, 1h

4:00pm

Rental Car Return and Airport Check-in

Return your rental car and check in for your departing flight, suggested to arrive 3 hours prior.
Car rental cost, 3h
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