Montenegro in 7 Days: Full-Country Itinerary
A week is the sweet spot to see all of Montenegro — the Adriatic coast, the Durmitor mountains and dramatic canyons. This route runs from the Bay of Kotor south along the coast, then inland. A rental car is essential to link the stops.
Budget for 7 days runs about €400–1,100 per person excluding flights. Best seasons are May–June and September: warm, without peak crowds.
Day 1-2: Kotor and the bay
Base in Kotor with its Venetian old town (UNESCO). Climb to the Fortress of San Giovanni (1,350 steps, ~€8) for fjord views. Day two: tour the bay — Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks, and Roman mosaics in Risan.
Day 3-4: Budva and the coast
Move to Budva, the coast's nightlife hub. Old town, citadel and Mogren beaches. Day trips to postcard Sveti Stefan, the town of Petrovac and Lucice beach.
Day 5: Lake Skadar
The Balkans' largest lake and a national park. Boat trip to island monasteries, Montenegrin vineyards and the Pavlova Strana viewpoint over the river bend.
Day 6: Durmitor and Tara Canyon
Drive into the mountains to Durmitor National Park. En route, the Đurđevića Tara Bridge over the world's second-deepest canyon, plus a zipline. In Žabljak: the Black Lake and alpine walks.
Day 7: return via Ostrog
On the way back, the Ostrog Monastery carved into a sheer cliff — the country's main shrine. Return to the coast or Podgorica/Tivat airport.
Budget and transport
Car rental: €25–45/day — essential here. Stay: apartments €30–70/night, 3-star €50–100. Food: €15–30/day, seafood more. Total for 7 days: budget €400–550, comfortable €800–1,100 per person excluding flights.
Frequently asked questions
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