Montenegro Highlights Tour & Lake Cruise

Exploring Montenegro becomes an effortless experience with the Montenegro Highlights Tour & Lake Cruise, a private journey starting from Budva for $112.87 per person. Spanning 8 to 10 hours, this tour combines scenic drives, cultural visits, and a relaxing boat ride on Lake Skadar. The tour is designed for those who prefer a hassle-free day, with hotel pickup and drop-off included, making it suitable for visitors eager to see the country’s top sights without the stress of planning. The guided experience is praised for its knowledgeable guides and breathtaking views, while some reviews note the fast pace that might feel rushed for those who want more time at each stop.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a rundown of Montenegro’s highlights in one day, especially those who appreciate scenic drives, historical landmarks, and a peaceful boat cruise. Be aware that it’s a full-day itinerary, so a good level of mobility and interest in sightseeing will enhance the experience.

Key Points

• Private tour from Budva with hotel pickup and drop-off
• Cost: $112.87 per person for about 8 to 10 hours
• Includes a lake cruise on Lake Skadar and visits to Cetinje and Rijeka Crnojevica
• Scenic viewpoints such as Pavlova Strana and Sveti Stefan are featured
• Guides are recognized for their knowledgeability and friendly manner
• Some reviews mention a fast pace and limited flexibility in schedule

From Hotel Pickup to Scenic Lake Skadar

The tour begins with hassle-free pickup from your hotel in Budva, making travel logistics simple. Once aboard an air-conditioned vehicle, the driver-guide takes you on a journey through Montenegro’s landscapes, heading towards your first major stop: Lake Skadar. This expansive lake is one of the tour’s highlights, especially the boat ride that lasts about one hour.

The lake cruise offers a peaceful experience, with chances to see bird species and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding hills. The boat ride is described as enjoyable and relaxing, providing a break from the busy sightseeing schedule. The free admission to Lake Skadar and the boat is included in the tour price.

Exploring Rijeka Crnojevica and Pavlova Strana

After the lake, the itinerary includes a visit to the villager Rijeka Crnojevica, a settlement dating back to the XV century. This old village offers an authentic look at Montenegro’s historical roots and the chance to enjoy scenic views of the lake from Pavlova Strana, a well-known viewpoint that has earned a reputation for its stunning panoramas.

At Pavlova Strana, travelers can snap photos of the sweeping landscape, making it a favorite stop for photo enthusiasts. The viewpoint is often called the ‘horse shoe’ viewpoint, thanks to its distinctive shape, and provides a breathtaking backdrop for memorable photos.

Visiting Montenegro’s Old Royal Capital: Cetinje

Next, the tour heads to Cetinje, Montenegro’s former royal capital, home to significant historical landmarks. Key sites include the Cetinje Monastery, King Nikola’s Palace, the Biljarda, and the National Museum. The 30-minute stop is free of admission fees and gives a glimpse into the country’s royal past and cultural heritage.

The guide shares stories about Cetinje’s past, giving visitors meaningful context at each landmark. This stop provides a rich historical perspective, appealing to those interested in Montenegro’s royal history and cultural identity.

Scenic Drive Through Njegusi Village and Coastal Viewpoints

The journey continues through Njegusi village, renowned for its prosciutto and cheese. The village is famous for tastings, which are optional but highly recommended for food lovers. This stop offers a chance to sample regional delicacies while enjoying authentic mountain village scenery.

Following Njegusi, the tour takes a 45-minute drive along the famous serpentine road to a viewing point at Road Kotor-Lovcen. This winding stretch offers breathtaking vistas of the Bay of Kotor, perfect for photo opportunities and appreciating Montenegro’s rugged coast.

Visiting Rijeka Crnojevica and Pavlova Strana Viewpoint

The old village of Rijeka Crnojevica is a quick stop, allowing visitors to appreciate the XV-century settlement and its historical significance. Just before returning to Budva, the tour pauses at Pavlova Strana, the ‘horse shoe’ viewpoint, renowned for its spectacular landscape views.

Plus, the famous Sveti Stefan viewpoint is included, offering another iconic scene of Montenegro’s coastline. These stops combine natural beauty with photo opportunities for travelers eager to capture Montenegro’s diverse scenery.

Ending with a View of Sveti Stefan

The tour culminates with a short visit to the viewpoint of Sveti Stefan, one of Montenegro’s most recognizable landmarks. Although the tour does not include a visit inside the island-resort, the viewpoint provides a stunning photo opportunity of this historic and picturesque island.

This stop is brief—around 10 minutes—but leaves visitors with a lasting impression of Montenegro’s rugged beauty and coastal charm.

Practicalities: Logistics and Group Size

The tour is operated by Royal Services, with a maximum group size of 12, making it feel personalized and intimate. Pickup and drop-off are included, and the vehicle is air-conditioned for comfort throughout the day. The tour runs Monday through Sunday, from 12:00 AM to 11:30 PM, ensuring flexibility for most schedules.

The tour’s confirmation arrives within 48 hours, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience. Service animals are allowed, accommodating travelers with special needs.

The Role of Guides and the Overall Experience

Guides such as Andro, Petar, and Miroslav receive praise for their friendly demeanor and wealth of knowledge. They are known for explaining the sites with enthusiasm and sharing cultural and historical insights. Several reviews mention that guides go above and beyond, including suggestions for additional stops or helpful assistance during the trip.

While the itinerary is packed, some feedback notes that the schedule can feel rushed, especially if travelers want more time at specific sites or prefer a more flexible pace. This ride is best suited for those eager to see many highlights in one day rather than savoring each stop leisurely.

Is This Tour Worth It?

For the price of $112.87, this tour offers a rundown of Montenegro’s most scenic and culturally significant sites. The lake cruise and viewpoints stand out as highlights, along with the historical stops in Cetinje and Rijeka Crnojevica. The guides’ expertise and scenic drives elevate the experience.

However, the fast pace and fixed schedule might not appeal to everyone. Those seeking more relaxed exploration or additional flexibility may find the tour a bit hurried, but most visitors will find it well-organized and value-packed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the tour include?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Budva, an air-conditioned vehicle, a lake cruise on Lake Skadar, and visits to Cetinje, Rijeka Crnojevica, and scenic viewpoints like Pavlova Strana and Sveti Stefan. The lake cruise is about one hour.

How long does the tour last?
The total duration is approximately 8 to 10 hours, allowing a full day of sightseeing with multiple stops and activities.

Is food included?
No, food and drinks are not included, but there is an optional tasting in Njegusi village known for its prosciutto and cheese.

Are there any mobility considerations?
The tour involves walking at scenic viewpoints and several short stops. It is suitable for most travelers, and service animals are allowed.

Can I customize the stops?
Being a private tour, there is some flexibility to request additional stops or slight modifications, especially if communicated with the guide beforehand.

What are the cancellation policies?
Cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are not refundable.

Who operates this tour?
The tour is run by Royal Services, a reputable provider known for personalized Montenegro experiences.

Is this tour good for solo travelers?
Yes, reviews from solo travelers highlight friendly guides and impressive knowledge, making it a comfortable and enriching experience.

What’s the best time to take this tour?
It operates year-round, from November 2023 to January 2026, with flexible hours suitable for most days.

Would you recommend this tour?
Absolutely, especially for those who want a comprehensive, guided day of scenic drives, cultural stops, and a lake cruise—most notably praised for guides’ expertise and breathtaking views.