How to Create a Montenegro Travel Itinerary: Designing Your Ideal Adventure

To design your ideal Montenegro travel itinerary, you have to do more than make a list of places to visit. You have to carefully curate that list, think about activities, as well as consider your group’s preferences.

Sure, if you’re traveling alone, making a plan is easy. But, it is also a lot less fun.

A few years back, me and my group of friends decided to go on a trip. Of course, I was in charge of the plan. So, I put what I thought was a lot of effort into it. But, in the end, I wound up simply creating a list of places I would love to see. And of things I would love to do.

Needless to say, the group wasn’t happy. Sure, we had fun. Still, they got kind of tired of me micromanaging the journey, and of participating in activities they didn’t like.

At one point, they threw my plan into the trash, and decided to wing it from there.

The Trouble of Winging It on Your Journey

To a less organized person, winging it may be the perfect plan. Not for me, though.

Like I said, we did have fun. And, from this perspective, it was definitely a one-of-a-kind journey. A hectic one that had us going left and right without achieving much.

Here’s the trouble with winging it. First, you miss out on some key attractions due to a lack of time. Speaking of, you lose a lot of time trying to figure out the logistics on the spot. Furthermore, you risk overspending, because making impulsive decisions is sort of a default when you don’t have a plan.

While spontaneity has a nice ring to it, and can be liberating, it can also turn your trip into a hectic nightmare.

So, be smarter than that and get prepared.

How to Create a Montenegro Travel Itinerary

A breathtaking Balkan country, Montenegro offers an amazing mix of cultural history, natural beauty, and exciting activities.

Of course, it is up to you to plan the perfect trip that will encompass a bit of everything. You want to see the highlights. But, you also want to get a glimpse of the culture and history. And then you may possibly want to add some active adventures to the plan.

Clearly, there are a lot of important things to consider when trying to create the perfect itinerary. So, let us check those out, and thus help you have the time of your life in Montenegro.

Consider the Length of Your Stay

How long are you planning on staying in this beautiful country? A 3-day visit certainly won’t be the same as a 10-day visit. Yet, you’d be surprised at how much you can squeeze into 3 simple days. As long as you make a good plan, of course.

Time may allow you to visit only one region. So, decide if you prefer the coastal, the northern, or the central one. If, however, you have more time, you can make it a journey from the north to the south. Thus getting to know the whole of Montenegro.

Anyway, however long you’re planning on staying, get ready to bust out your planning skills.

Put everything on paper. Naturally, don’t forget to account for some rest time as well.

Take Everyone’s Priorities Into Account

Think of your friends and family. You don’t want to make the same mistake I did, and have your itinerary thrown into the trash.

So, talk to the people who are going with you. Ask them about the places they’d like to see and things they’d like to do. Check if they are up for a more active vacation, or if they’d prefer a calm and relaxing one.

For the more active individuals, you can plan hiking or walking trips. Those who are looking for relaxation will enjoy boat or yacht tours of the Kotor Bay. And then, you can always create an itinerary that combines both of those things, thus meeting everyone’s preferences.

Of course, think about your preferences as well. After all, you’re a part of the group too. Thus, you want to enjoy yourself on the journey just as much as everyone else.

A well-planned itinerary is an itinerary for everyone.

Think of Logistics

Montenegro is a small country packed with beautiful nature and architecture, and a rich history.

Its size, coupled with a good infrastructure, makes traveling from one destination to another relatively easy. Yet, you do have to think about the logistics in advance.

Will you be driving between destinations? Rental cars can be a great solution, especially for people wanting to visit both, say, the north and the south.

Then, you may decide to use public transportation. Albeit a bit slower, it will still get you wherever you want to go.

Of course, there are also taxi services you can use. For larger groups, they can be an inexpensive and practical solution.

The bottom line is that you have to think of the logistics before making your Montenegro travel itinerary. Why? Because knowing what kind of transport you’ll be using will help you choose the appropriate destinations.

Choose Key Destinations for Your Montenegro Travel Itinerary

Now we’ve come to the main, and the fun, part. Choosing your key destinations. Keeping everyone’s preferences, and the logistics, in mind, you’ll be ready to select the places you want to visit.

If you’re starting at the coast, Kotor should definitely make it on your itinerary. As one of the most popular Montenegrin destinations, it has a lot to offer. From breathtaking views of the Bay, to stunning and well-preserved medieval architecture. The best part? You can go hiking, you can go on boat tours, you can enjoy all kinds of activities in this city. So, there’ll be something there for everyone.

The entire Bay is worth visiting, though. So, if you have the time, explore the beauty of Perast. Then, enjoy the blend of modernity and tradition in Tivat. And, naturally, don’t forget Herceg Novi, the sunniest Montenegrin city.

For outdoor enthusiasts who’d like to step out of the coastal area, Durmitor National Park is a must-see. So is Lake Skadar, lying on the border of Montenegro and Albania.

Then, travel further up north to explore the rich history of the Ostrog Monastery. Finally, go to Žabljak if you’re a fan of breathtaking nature.

In short, incorporate the most interesting places into your itinerary, taking into account the time you have.

Add Culinary and Cultural Experiences to the Mix

Traveling is not simply about seeing amazing places. That’s more of a byproduct, so to speak. It is, in fact, more about the experiences you’ll have along the way.

So, add culinary and cultural experiences to the mix. Try the local food. Go wine tasting. And, attend local festivals and events taking place while you’re there.

Designing a Montenegro Travel Itinerary for an Ideal Adventure

A perfect Montenegro travel itinerary leads to an ideal adventure.

So, be careful when designing it. Think about what you and your group want. Then, take the time you have into account. Consider the logistics to choose your key destinations and activities. Of course, remember that traveling is about experiencing different cultures.

Finally, whatever you do, allow for some flexibility. After all, perfect journeys always come with a touch of spontaneity.