From Budva/Kotor: Montenegro Highlights Tour & Lake Cruise

Traveling through Montenegro’s diverse landscapes offers an experience filled with stunning scenery, historic towns, and off-the-beaten-path adventures. This 9-hour guided tour, operated by Royal Services Montenegro, promises a well-rounded day exploring the country’s natural beauty and cultural heritage—away from the usual crowds.

What makes this experience stand out? First, it’s the chance to see Montenegro’s lesser-known sides, like Lake Skadar and remote mountain viewpoints. Second, the guides are consistently praised for their friendliness and depth of knowledge, making each stop informative and engaging. Third, the boat cruise on Lake Skadar offers a peaceful, scenic escape that’s often highlighted as a highlight.

That said, the tour isn’t a whirlwind of activity; it’s a full day with a lot of scenic driving and a few well-chosen stops. Travelers who prefer longer, more leisurely pauses or a slower pace may find some of the short stops a bit quick.

This tour is best suited to those who love nature, appreciate history, and want a taste of Montenegro’s diverse scenery without sacrificing comfort. Perfect for curious explorers and small groups who enjoy a personalized touch.

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Key Points

Stunning Scenery: Expect breathtaking views from multiple viewpoints and along serpentine mountain roads.
Authentic Experiences: The boat ride on Lake Skadar and visits to off-the-beaten-path spots provide genuine Montenegrin charm.
Expert Guides: Guides like Petar and Andro are noted for their friendliness, knowledge, and hospitality.
Value for Money: The inclusion of boat rides, entrance fees, and hotel pickup makes this tour quite comprehensive.
Flexible Booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, with the option to reserve now and pay later.
Small Group: Limited to 12 participants, ensuring a personal and engaging experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary in Detail

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Starting Point: From Kotor or Budva

Most travelers begin their day in either Kotor or Budva, with convenient hotel pickup included. This flexibility is great because it means you don’t have to navigate to a central meeting point — your guide will come to you. The tour duration is about 9 hours, with starting times varying based on availability, so it’s wise to check ahead.

Sveti Stefan Viewpoint

Your day kicks off with an iconic photo opportunity at the Sveti Stefan viewpoint. From here, you’ll get a sweeping look at the legendary island-resort and the shimmering coastline. It’s the perfect introduction to Montenegro’s scenic diversity, and many reviewers note that the views here are a “nice way to start the day,” giving a real sense of the country’s coastal beauty.

Lake Skadar & Boat Ride

The highlight for many is the visit to Lake Skadar, the largest lake in the Balkans. The boat cruise here is considered a calming, picturesque experience that allows you to see the lake’s abundant birdlife and lush surroundings. One reviewer Lucinda mentioned, “Boat ride was lovely, all the way along the guide was very helpful, had lots of information and if you need anything at all he will help,” emphasizing how guides enhance this peaceful experience. The boat ride is also a chance to relax, enjoy a glass of wine, and take in the natural beauty.

More Great Tours Nearby

Rijeka Crnojevica

This charming riverside village offers a tranquil atmosphere for a leisurely stroll along the waterfront. The quaint architecture and relaxed vibe make it ideal for some quick photos or a quiet moment away from the busier tourist spots. Reviewers appreciated the authenticity here, noting it as a peaceful escape.

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Pavlova Strana Viewpoint

Next, you ascend to Pavlova Strana, where panoramic views of the rugged Montenegrin landscape unfold. It’s a classic photo stop but also an opportunity to really appreciate how wild and beautiful this country is. One guest commented, “The views on the trip were stunning,” and this viewpoint delivers exactly that.

Cetinje: Montenegro’s Historic Capital

Cetinje is often called the ‘Old Royal Capital,’ and it delivers on its cultural promise. Highlights here include the Cetinje Monastery and the Presidential Palace, both of which showcase Montenegro’s historical roots. The guide shares stories that deepen your understanding of the significance of these sites, transforming them from mere buildings into stories of national identity.

Njegusi Village & Mountain Scenery

Driving through Njegusi, famous for smoked ham and mountain views, gives you a taste of authentic Montenegrin cuisine and traditions. The small village is renowned for its stunning vistas and local produce. Many travelers recommend trying the traditional foods and fresh mountain pomegranate juice, as noted in reviews praising the stops for their “amazing views and local flavors.”

The Serpentine Road & Bay Views

The drive back along the winding, serpentine road is as much a part of the experience as the stops. With cliffs dropping into the Bay of Kotor and medieval villages perched on hillsides, the scenery here is simply jaw-dropping. You’ll get plenty of chances to snap photos and soak in the fjord-like views. Reviewers appreciate the “breathtaking” scenery and highlight the driver’s skill, like Petar’s careful navigation of narrow, winding roads.

Practical Details & What to Expect

Transportation & Comfort

The tour includes air-conditioned vehicles, which are crucial given the summer heat or just for comfort during long drives. The small group size (max 12 people) means you won’t be stuck in a crowded bus, and there’s enough space for everyone to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Guides & Personal Touch

Both guides, Petar and Andro, are frequently praised for their friendliness and vast knowledge. One reviewer stated, “Petar was an excellent guide—friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful,” which reassures travelers they’re in good hands. The guides also offer helpful recommendations for restaurants and photo spots, making your day more personalized.

Cost & Value

While the tour covers many highlights—boat rides, entrance fees, hotel pickup—the price is justified by the inclusions and the expertise of the guides. The boat cruise, scenic viewpoints, and cultural stops combined create a well-rounded experience that offers excellent value for money.

Flexibility & Booking

With free cancellation up to 24 hours before and the option to reserve now and pay later, booking is flexible. This is particularly useful if your plans are still shifting or if you want to secure your spot without immediate payment.

Authentic Experiences & Hidden Delights

The reviews reveal that travelers often appreciate the personal touches—like guides knowing the best photo angles or recommending local restaurants (including a mountain restaurant with incredible views). The boat ride on Lake Skadar, with the option of complimentary wine, is frequently cited as a highlight—an opportunity to enjoy Montenegro’s natural serenity.

Many guests also mention the scenic drives along mountain roads and panoramic viewpoints as unforgettable, emphasizing how they accessed parts of Montenegro that are less touristy but incredibly scenic. The stops at Njegusi and Cetinje allow for a taste of local culture and history, making this more than just a sightseeing trip.

Is This Tour Right for You?

This experience is ideal if you value natural beauty, cultural authenticity, and expert guidance. It suits travelers who prefer a small group for a more intimate experience and who don’t mind shorter stops in exchange for access to fewer-crowded spots.

It’s particularly perfect for those who want an active, scenic day with a relaxed pace—ideal for photography, nature lovers, and those eager to learn about Montenegro from knowledgeable guides. If your priority is longer sightseeing stops or a very slow pace, you might find this tour a bit brisk.

The Sum Up

For travelers seeking a balanced blend of scenic drives, cultural insights, and natural beauty, this Montenegro Highlights Tour from Budva or Kotor delivers impressive value. The inclusion of a boat cruise, panoramic viewpoints, and visits to historic towns make it a comprehensive day trip.

Guides like Petar and Andro not only enhance the experience with their friendliness and knowledge but also ensure you see the country’s less touristy, more authentic side. The small-group setting ensures personalized attention, making this a memorable and comfortable way to explore Montenegro’s diverse landscapes.

If you love landscapes, history, and local flavors, this tour will provide a wonderful snapshot of Montenegro’s many treasures—all in one well-organized day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes an English-speaking driver/guide, air-conditioned vehicle, hotel pickup and drop-off, boat ride on Lake Skadar, entrance fees for Lake Skadar National Park, fuel surcharge, and parking tickets.

Are food and drinks included?
No, meals and beverages are not included, but the guide often recommends local restaurants, and travelers can purchase food during the stops.

How long is the tour?
The experience lasts approximately 9 hours, with flexible starting times based on availability.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, it’s a full-day sightseeing tour that’s suitable for most ages, especially those interested in scenic views and cultural spots.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, a camera, sun protection, and a water bottle. Since the tour includes outdoor stops, dressing for the weather is advisable.

How many people typically join the tour?
The tour is limited to 12 participants, ensuring a small-group experience.

What makes this tour different from others?
The combination of off-the-beaten-path stops, a relaxing boat ride, and the guides’ local knowledge set this apart from more generic day trips.

Are the viewpoints accessible?
Yes, most viewpoints, including Sveti Stefan, Pavlova Strana, and others, are accessible, though some may involve short walks.

Is the transportation comfortable?
Absolutely, the vehicles are air-conditioned and modern, with enough space for all travelers.

This Montenegro Highlights Tour offers a well-rounded day of scenic beauty, cultural insight, and personal touches. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for a deeper experience, it’s a fantastic way to get to know the country’s most captivating sights with expert guidance.