Kotor Kinabalu

The natural beauty of the Montenegro coast is legendary, with its numerous bays, islands and beaches. The city of Budva lies on a small peninsular and is rich in historic monuments. Visit the old town where you can roam the narrow streets and squares within its 15th century walls. Take some free time in Budva for shopping or relax with a coffee.

Continue along the coast to Kotor taking in the beautiful views of Kotor Bay. During your walking tour of the UNESCO listed town of Kotor you will visit the 12th century Cathedral of St Tripun and the Maritime Museum. The orthodox church of St Luka will be viewed from the outside.

Drive to the panoramic point of Krstac, at a height of over 3000 feet, from where you’ll enjoy the magnificent view of Boka Bay, the only fjord in the Adriatic sea. Head inland, stopping in the village of Njegusi to sample some local specialties such as home-made cheese, smoked ham, local brandy and wine (or soft drinks).

In Cetinje, the former capital of Montenegro, visit King Nicola’s Palace, home of the first and the last king of Montenegro. Continue towards the coast to enjoy the panoramic view of the Budva Riviera.

During a tour of the medieval city of Kotor, you will visit St Triphon’s Cathedral and the Maritime Museum.

Located along one of Montenegro's most beautiful bays is Kotor. The Old City is well preserved and typical of the Middle Ages, built between the 12th and 14th centuries. Medieval architecture and numerous monuments of cultural heritage have made Kotor a UNESCO listed ‘Historical Heritage Site’.

The whole city is criss-crossed with narrow streets and squares. One of these squares contains the Cathedral of St Triphon, a monument of Roman culture and one of the most recognisable symbols of the city. Pass by several treasures of Kotor’s rich historical heritage in the form of the Church of St Luka from the 13th century, the Prince’s Palace from the 17th century and Napoleon’s Theatre. After a visit to the Maritime Museum, there will be some free time to explore independently.

Enjoy a peaceful boat ride across the stunning Boka Bay consisting of 4 connected straits. High cliffs surround the bay from all sides which reflect the blue water of the Adriatic Sea.

The baroque church of Our Lady of the Rocks is on one of 2 islets, deep in the Bay. According to legend, the islet was made over the centuries by the seamen who kept an ancient oath. Upon returning from each successful voyage, they laid a rock in the Bay. Over time, the islet gradually emerged from the sea. Our Lady of the Rocks can be seen on this site. The church contains 68 magnificent paintings by a 17th century artist from Perast. The most famous, 30 feet long, is ‘The Death of the Virgin’.

Perast is a sleepy baroque town near Kotor, the buildings in this town were built in the 17th and 18th centuries. Perast is a quiet and peaceful town with sacred monuments, such as the Church Sveti Nikola, built between the 15th and 17th centuries. During your time in Perast you will visit the local Maritime Museum.

Your scenic drive takes you towards Njegusi village stopping at Krstac, a panoramic point, to view the beautiful Boka Bay. Located in western Montenegro, Boka Bay is one of the finest natural harbours in Europe consisting of 4 connected straits and 7 islands set in the clear blue water of the Adriatic Sea.

Continue southward to the village of Njegusi, famed for its well preserved traditional folk architecture and located on the slopes of Mount Lovcen, within the National Park. The locals’ hospitality is legendary and your guide will take you on a tour of the smokehouse to learn about smoked ham production. Sample a traditional snack of home-made ham and cheese served with fresh bread served with local wine and brandy.

Returning to Kotor, your knowledgeable guide will take you on a city tour visiting St Triphon’s Cathedral; this important monument was under construction for decades and was finally completed in 1166. The interior contains valuable examples of rare art and furnishings including work by local gold and silversmiths.

The popular Maritime Museum will provide you with an insight into the history of life at sea over the years in the form of pictures, models, artefacts and displays.

Your scenic drive, with some stunning views will take you to the Lustica peninsula to visit the Zabrdje Village country estate. You will receive a warm welcome accompanied with a drink served by your host on the family estate.

Visit the Old Mill, which was an important source of income for many generations, before heading to the threshing floor which offers breathtaking views. A snack of smoked ham, cheese and salad followed by local wine will be served as local musicians perform melodies and songs typical of this part of Montenegro.

Continue, by coach, back to the old part of Kotor which was developed within a small area enclosed by the town walls. During your guided walking tour of this little town, your guide will point out several highlights including the town walls which stretch for over 2 miles and the Cathedral of St Triphon, built in 1166, which is a Romanesque basilica.

At the end of the walking tour, you will have some free time for shopping and exploring the town of Kotor on your own before returning independently to the ship.

Your scenic drive will follow the same footsteps along the breathtaking route in Montenegro that the famous British author and playwright; George Bernard Shaw took at the beginning of this century when he was 73 years old. Full of enthusiasm, he said ‘I have heard that the road to Cetinje via Kotor is one of the most beautiful in the world, and that is the reason I have come’.

Follow the winding mountain roads up along the steep slopes to the Lovcen Mountains, in the Lovcen National Park, an area of powerful contrasts. To one side tower the rugged snowcapped mountains, while opposite you will find the quiet tranquility of one of the most beautiful bays in the world.

Your destination is the small mountain village of Njegusi, with its well preserved folk architecture and traditions of Montenegrin cuisine. Here, you will visit a traditional smokehouse where Njeguski prsut (prosciutto) is produced. You will have the opportunity to sample some of the cured ham, along with cheese, homemade bread and local wine or brandy in this charming mountain village.