Montenegro
Why Travel to Montenegro?
Montenegro, seemingly one of Europe’s youngest nations, in fact, has a fiercely independent and separatist tradition that saw its doughty inhabitants successfully resisting dominance from the ancient Greek, Ottoman and Venetian empires.
In a landscape that is predominantly mountainous and highly inaccessible, it has developed a religious, linguistic and cultural identity of its own which has endured through the ages.
Since its official re-establishment as a nation-state in 2006, it has steadily won a deserved reputation as a land steeped in historical interest and stunningly rugged terrain, which has carved out an identity that has only recently begun to attract the attention of the intrepid traveller. Now more than ever, Montenegro holidays are growing to be one of the most sought-after destinations in Europe for those with a lust for adventure.
Highlights of a Holiday to Montenegro
Our inspiring Montenegro tours for groups and tailor-made itineraries lead you across the dramatic highlands of this obscure corner of the Balkans. We traverse the highest and most exhilarating mountain passes and plunge down the forested slopes into canyons that brim with the sinewy tendrils of teal-coloured meltwater that make up the vast Piva Lake.
The inaccessibility of these proud Montenegro holiday destinations begins to reveal the country’s hidden inner heart, in locations like the fortresses of Kotor and, most famously, Mount Lovcen, the ‘Black Mountain’ which formed the core of Montenegro’s resistance to invaders and gave the country its name.
As your visit unfolds, the dual Orthodox and Catholic spirit of the nation is embodied in spectacular cliff-face and hill-top monasteries and shrines. The isolation of the country finally succumbs to a Venetian-inspired coastal Riviera and exquisite crystal-blue beaches which overlook a delightful scattering of islands. Here, visitors may circumnavigate and soak up the warmth which epitomises this delightful and surprising country.
Private & Small Group Tours to Montenegro
Our offerings of Montenegro tours for small groups allow you to hand the reins to knowledgeable local guides. These experts are well-versed in the country’s fascinating historical timeline, spectacular natural landscapes, and eye-catching settlements. They will take you on a journey specially crafted to give you unparalleled insight into this, and more.
Equally, for those in search of Montenegro adventure holidays to embrace the excitement and mystery that the country is shrouded in, our private guided tours to Montenegro offer a fantastic way for intrepid travellers to do this. They can dive head-first into the depths of Montenegro’s hidden gems in its landscapes and the many religious and ancient sites that have been undiscovered by the average tourist for centuries.
As Seen in…
Places to visit in Montenegro and on our Balkan tours
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well-travelled team.
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Montenegro History & Culture
A tiny population of under 700,000 makes up what is, essentially, a rural and mountainous state in Montenegro. Pockets of true wilderness still hold rare natural delights such as wolves, bears and even lynx. When embarking on your Montenegro holidays this will truly reveal the nation’s character first-hand as you experience the country’s remoteness and extensive highlands of over 1,000m. Here, a world of amazing religious sites and defiant citadels is waiting to be discovered, with a proud culture and people whose gentle conservatism is only matched by their openness to those who accept the challenge of exploring this true gem.
If one thing defines Montenegro, it is its resilience in carving out a national identity in the face of thousands of years of invasion and outside influence. The Illyrian tribes under the leadership of the terrifying Queen Teuta so harried the Greek coastal settlers of the 3rd century B.C. that they begged for Roman help, and so the blueprint for Montenegrin independence was formed.
Leaving much evidence of its influence near the coast, the Roman Empire split in 395 A.D. and yet the Illyrian culture absorbed and thrived as Serbs and Croats arrived, bringing the Orthodox and Catholic faiths to the nation. Indeed, to the modern traveller, this sense of sitting on the cusp of eastern and western cultural worlds still is highly apparent in its people, its food and its language.
Montenegro, uniquely, writes its own language in both eastern Cyrillic and western Latin characters, whilst the Balkan smoked hams, lamb and cream stews sit alongside more exotic dishes like spiced pomegranate soups. The medieval civilisation flourished and expanded its borders well beyond modern Montenegro’s borders. And when the Ottomans came, the country bucked the trend by heavily and successfully resisting the invaders by setting up an undefeatable kingdom-state around the ‘Black Mountain’ region.
Their most successful ruler, Peter II, has his impressive mausoleum on the slopes of Mount Lovcen, amidst the craggy terrain that predominates. Ultimately, the Ottomans and indeed the coastal Venetian incursions were forced to allow the local rulers to continue unchallenged. By the 19th century, international allies referred to Montenegro as the ‘race of heroes’ and the country’s armies expanded their territory and drove out the Ottomans.
In more modern times alliances and unification with Serbia proved only temporary in dampening the national identity. As 20th-century architecture indicates, the republic, as a sub-division of Yugoslavia embraced communism under Tito and reputedly has more party members per capita than any other nation in Europe.
Montenegro Holiday Destinations Today
Since its independence in 2006, today’s Montenegro has become a vibrant country with a strong focus on tourism. Sites such as the porcelain-white façade of Ostrog monastery which clings tenaciously to the cliff face speak of the inherent popular determination are magnificent. Its viaduct of entrances leads visitors into a labyrinth of ornate and intricately decorated caves and chapels, emblematic of the unique and remarkable cultural heart of this radiant land.
FAQs For Trips To Montenegro
What is the best time to go to Montenegro?
For weather, the best time to venture on your Montenegro holidays is during the months of June, July, and August. At this time of year, temperatures are at their warmest with a dry climate. July is the hottest month of the year in Montenegro, with average daily high temperatures of 31°C and average lows of 22°C.
However, for those who want to balance great weather alongside the optimal time to visit the country as a tourist, visiting any of the Montenegro holiday destinations is best done just outside of summertime, in June or September. This is outside of peak season, meaning you’ll find fewer tourists in popular locations and cheaper travel and accommodation deals, alongside still blissful weather, offering an ideal compromise.
Is Montenegro a good tourist destination?
For tourists, Montenegro is a fantastic destination brimming with untouched landscapes and historically diverse sights that will leave you fascinated and in awe. The country is generally safe, with low crime rates for tourists, but you should still be cautious of petty theft including pickpocketing, much like any tourist destination.
How long do you need in Montenegro?
Staying between 5 days to a week is a perfect amount of time to spend on your Montenegro holidays, leaving you ample opportunity to explore some of the country’s thriving city centres, alongside its rural verdant national parks and glacial lakes.
Is Montenegro a cheap holiday?
Holidays to Montenegro, much like other Balkan holiday destinations, are cheap. You’ll find accommodation and food whilst in the country to be well-priced, with an example being a beer which costs €2.20 (£1.94) or a three-course meal for two people in a good restaurant costing roughly €30 (£26.45).
Why travel with us?
- Small Group Tours with a Maximum of 12 People
- Tailor-made Tours and Private Tour Options
- Expert Advice and First Hand Knowledge