Republic of Montenegro Travel Forum

Hi,
I am visiting Montenegro at the beginning of April but am unsure of where to spend my time. Have around 6 days in Montenegro before moving on. Want to see Kotor, Budva, Bar and Ulcinj and maybe take a trip to Ostrog monastery and Cetinje. Also want to take a day trip over the border into Albania to the town of Shkoder.
My concern is where to spend most of my time and if I will have time to see all these places.
Anybody got any suggestions as to how to spread my time over the 6 days and where to spend most of my time? Which towns would you rate as the best for scenery, history, old town charm, photography?

Also what is the best way to Ostrog Monastery and Cetinje? Could these be done in half day trips using public transport? Want to avoid tour groups if possible?
Any advice welcome

Thanks in advance
Brian

Kotor (the town and the whole bay) is definitely the highlight of the coast for scenery and photography, try to allow time for some of the smaller villages on the bay such as Perast.

Budva is mainly a seaside resort, it's convenient for transport and services but not scenic like Kotor. It does have a reconstructed old town that is quite pretty but not comparable to Kotor.

Bar itself doesn't really have much to interest tourists, but the nearby ruined town of Stari Bar is definitely worth a visit.

Cetinje is an easy half-day trip from Budva or Kotor - the frequent buses to Podgorica call at Cetinje.

Ostrog Monastery is difficult to reach on public transport, you might be able to work out a full day trip with a combination of buses and taxis but it won't be easy. I've seen tours advertised on the coast but quite likely they won't be running in April.

Ulcinj has another nice old town, and about 5km away is one of the biggest sandy beaches anywhere in the region. It also feels a bit different because many locals are Albanian speakers. It probably makes sense to stay there anyway if you want to visit Shkodra.

I would base my self in Perast or Risan, for example in the Bay of Kotor, where is cheaper and easy to get to Herceg Novi, Kotor,Igalo and around the bay.
Have a climb on the Kotor fortress walls overlooking the bay, fantastic! St Nikola church and 2 man made islands in the Bay.
Bidva is good half day and Sv Stefan island/hotel.
Cetinje is Old M'negrian seat and is nice for half day too.
You might want to climb few hungred steps to the mausoleum of Petar Petrovich-Njegosh on Lovcen Mountain.Breathtaking scenary, great photo oportunity!
Day at Gjurgjevicha Tare and some whitewater rafting, just to make your adrenalin flow, and keep those fingers working on the camera!!
From Podgorica there is a bus to Nikshic and you can ask the driver to let you out on the begining of the road wich climbs up to Ostrog.
There is an vilage by the main road, you can ask the locals for the furgon wich regulary takes people up to the monastery.
BTW its "hangs" from the cliff.
Spend day at Zabljak and the Blak lake at Durmitor N.P.
Cross to Shkoder at Podgorica and Hani i Hotit crossing, great views of Skadar lake!!
So many things to see, not much time. I guess when you visit M'negro never is enough time!! tme flies when you have great time.
chek this website: www.visit-montenegro.com
for some ideas.
Happy travels
Valentina