
Where to go from Budva for a day: 25 guided routes
From Budva, you can reach any point in Montenegro in under three hours. The Old Town is nearby, Cetinje is less than an hour away, and Lipa Cave is 33 km from the resort (according to the Lipa Cave website). That radius makes Budva a convenient base for day trips.
We've put together twenty-five guided itineraries. There are walking tours of the Old Town, trips to monasteries and national parks, wine tastings, and long driving tours to Durmitor, Albania, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. For each itinerary, we've listed the format, duration, and what's included in the price.
Below, you'll see which excursions are short and budget-friendly and which take a full day, so you can build an itinerary that fits your vacation.
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How we selected the excursions
💡 In short:
- The list includes only tours that start in Budva and are guided.
- Short walking tours take two to three hours, while full-day driving tours stretch up to twelve hours.
- Entrance to national parks and caves is almost always paid separately from the tour.
- National park conditions and tickets: as of 09/2026, verified on the Montenegro national parks website
We selected itineraries that actually operate in the 2026 season and organized them by format. Walking tours suit those with limited time. Full-day driving tours are chosen by travelers who want to see as much as possible in a single trip.
Format | Duration | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
City walking tour | two to three hours | first-time visitors to Budva |
Group bus tour | half day or full day | families and couples without a car |
Private driving tour | full day | those who want their own itinerary |
Some itineraries cross the border. At the checkpoint you lose time in line, so don't plan these trips for the evening.
1. Budva and Budva Riviera excursion
This is a sightseeing walk through the Old Town and its surroundings, lasting about three hours. The guide leads the group along cobblestone streets inside the fortress walls and shows how the city lived under the Venetians.
The fortifications with towers and embrasures were built in the 15th century, when Venice ruled Budva. The walls survived the 1979 earthquake, after which the city was carefully restored. Next, you'll see Catholic and Orthodox churches, old houses with bas-reliefs, and sculptural compositions in the squares.
A separate highlight is the stop at the viewpoint above the village of Vilikovac. From the height, you can see both the old part of the city and the newer districts along the coast. The group then visits the Rustovo women's monastery, which houses a church dedicated to the royal martyrs of the Romanov family, and walks through Milocer Park with its exotic plants.
- Format: walking tour with short transfers.
- Duration: about three hours.
- Who it's for: first-time visitors to Budva who want to see the whole city.
- Not for: those looking only for beach and sea.
Sightseeing walks depart several times a day. If you want a Russian-speaking guide, book the Budva excursion.
2. Lovcen Reserve and the shrines of Montenegro
This comfortable car trip lasts about six hours and climbs from the sea to the Lovcen mountain range. The road winds along switchbacks above the Budva Riviera, so the coastal panorama opens up at every turn.
© Diego Delso · CC BY-SAPhoto: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia CommonsThe first stop is Cetinje, the country's former capital. The city is surrounded by mountains and is known for its ancient Orthodox monastery. The central streets are lined with low-rise mansions, museums, and galleries.
Next, you ascend into Lovcen National Park. Along the way, you pass white cliffs under dense forest, caves, and mountain lakes. On one of the peaks stands the mausoleum of Petar Njegos, a ruler and poet who is still revered in Montenegro. Inside the marble hall under a golden ceiling lies the bishop's sarcophagus.
- Format: private driving tour.
- Duration: about six hours.
- What's included: car and guide service.
- The catch: almost half the time is spent climbing the switchbacks.
The route and park entrance are usually discussed with the guide in advance: choose your Lovcen trip date.
3. Lake Skadar with a Montenegrin local
© Andrija12345678 · CC BY-SAPhoto: Andrija12345678, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia CommonsThis trip on the largest lake in the Balkans takes about seven hours. The guide introduces you to the freshwater body of water that curves around mountains, islands, and dense forests. It's a protected area with rare flora and fauna.
Pelicans, cormorants, and herons live among the water lilies and lotus beds. You'll sail past rocky shores with picturesque settlements where vineyards are still cultivated. The guide will tell you about local winemaking traditions and how fishing is done here.
In one of the villages, the group samples homemade delicacies and sees the traditional way of life in a Montenegrin home.
- Format: group trip with a boat on the lake.
- Duration: about seven hours.
- Who it's for: nature lovers who don't want long hikes.
- Not for: those expecting a beach vacation.
If you want to spend a day on the water, check out Lake Skadar tours.
4. Monasteries on the coast
© Miomir Magdevski · CC BY-SAPhoto: Miomir Magdevski, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia CommonsThis is a driving tour of Orthodox shrines around Budva. In a few hours you visit monasteries that pilgrims from different countries travel to every year.
Podmaine Monastery is located on the northern edge of Budva. The grounds are surrounded by a high wall with a tower, and inside there are austere residential buildings, two churches, and service structures. From here you get a panorama of the Bay of Budva.
The next stop is Praskvica Monastery near Przno. The Church of St. Nicholas and the Church of the Holy Trinity have preserved old frescoes and a gilded iconostasis. The monks' cells hold books and charters given to the monastery by monarchs of the Russian Empire.
The third stop is in the village of Rustovo. The convent was founded at the burial site of the Pastrovici clan, who were slaughtered in the second half of the 14th century by the troops of Hungarian King Louis. The guide goes into detail about these events.
- Format: guided driving tour.
- Duration: about half a day.
- Who it's for: those interested in the history and religion of the Balkans.
- The catch: modest clothing is required on the grounds of active monasteries.
If peace and history matter to you, book a monastery tour.
5. Budva. The charm of the old town
© Jaakko Luttinen · CC BY-SAPhoto: Jaakko Luttinen, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia CommonsA one-hour walking tour of the Old Town suits those short on time. This city on the Adriatic was founded about two and a half thousand years ago, so antiquity, the Middle Ages, and the Venetian period all mix together here.
In ancient times, villas for Roman patricians were built on the site of Budva. Later the Slavs erected churches and fortresses here. Inside the fortress walls, a quarter survives with narrow cobbled streets, houses of large stone blocks, and red tiled roofs.
You will see balconies with wrought-iron railings, carved shutters, Orthodox and Catholic churches, taverns, souvenir shops, and museums.
- Format: walking tour with no transfers.
- Duration: about an hour.
- Who it's for: those who want a quick and inexpensive introduction to the city.
- Not for: those who want long programs with transfers.
The Old Town walk works well in the morning, while the streets are empty: book a walking tour of Budva.
6. Wine roads of Montenegro
© Miomir Magdevski · CC BY-SAPhoto: Miomir Magdevski, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia CommonsThis eight-hour private journey suits lovers of dry and fortified wines. A Russian-speaking guide tells you about Montenegrin winemaking, whose roots go back to ancient times.
The route runs through mountain valleys and authentic settlements. Along the way you get views of the azure waters of the Adriatic. At the wineries you will be offered a tasting and the chance to buy a few bottles at local prices.
- Format: private car trip.
- Duration: about eight hours.
- What's included: tastings at wineries.
- The catch: you can't do this route without a car; you need a guide or driver.
For tastings and buying wine, check out food and wine tours.
7. A trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina
© Bernard Gagnon · CC BY-SAPhoto: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia CommonsFrom Budva, it's worth taking a trip to the neighboring country, where Blagaj and Mostar are located near the Montenegrin border. The trip takes about twelve hours, so it's a full-day program.
The first town is Blagaj. The Buna River springs from a cave at the foot of a two-hundred-meter cliff, and at its base stand buildings belonging to Islamic believers from the 16th century. The emerald water here washes high hills covered in dense vegetation.
Next, the group heads to Mostar. The city is known for its stone bridge over the Neretva. The structure with its twenty-meter arch has become a symbol of peaceful coexistence between Catholic Croats and Bosnian Muslims. In the city you'll see colorful buildings, temples, towers, craft workshops, and bazaars.
- Format: group bus tour.
- Duration: about twelve hours.
- The catch: a long day on the road and border queues.
If you want to see Mostar and Blagaj in one day, book a tour to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
8. Ostrog monastery, Cetinje, and Podgorica
© ines lukic · CC BYPhoto: ines lukic, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), Wikimedia CommonsAn eight-hour sightseeing trip covers the country's main monasteries and the capital, Podgorica. First, the group stops in Cetinje at the foot of Lovćen. Along the narrow streets stand old mansions, museums, churches, restaurants, and souvenir shops.
The town is home to the stone Monastery of the Nativity of the Most Holy Mother of God.
Then you head to the Ostrog monastery, which is carved directly into the rock. A mountain switchback road leads to the shrine. Pastel facades are decorated with mosaics, arches, and open galleries, and pilgrims come to venerate the relics of Basil of Ostrog.
The trip ends in Podgorica. In the capital you'll see the Millennium Bridge, monuments to Vysotsky and Pushkin, picturesque parks, as well as old and new buildings.
- Format: full-day driving tour.
- Duration: about eight hours.
- Who it's for: those who want to see both the shrines and the capital in one trip.
- The catch: the itinerary is packed, with several transfers.
If you need a full-day guided route, check out the option with Ostrog and Podgorica.
9. Cozy Petrovac and its surroundings
Petrovac sits on the shore of a small bay, half an hour's drive from Budva. It's quieter here than in the center of the resort, and the surrounding hills are covered with pines and olive trees. A walk through the town and its surroundings takes about three hours.
© Folks at 137 at English Wikipedia · CC BY-SAPhoto: Folks at 137 at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia CommonsThe guide leads you to a 16th-century Venetian fortress. From the observation deck, a panorama opens up over the bay, surrounded by rocky shores. Along the way you'll see ancient 15th-century churches and hear stories about the local residents.
After the town, the group drives through the scenic surroundings of the Budva Riviera. Sea and mountain landscapes alternate at every turn.
- Format: walking tour plus short transfers.
- Duration: about three hours.
- Who it's for: those who want a relaxed day without long transfers.
- Not for: those who need long distances and lots of sights.
If you prefer quiet towns, book an excursion to Petrovac.
10. Lake Skadar, Cetinje, and Lipa Cave
© Anna Novikova from Budva, Montenegro · CC BYPhoto: Anna Novikova from Budva, Montenegro, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), Wikimedia CommonsAn eight-hour tour covers nature, history, and the underground world in one trip. The group explores authentic settlements around Lake Skadar and photogenic spots away from busy resorts.
The route passes through Virpazar and Rijeka Crnojevića. These towns attract visitors with lush Mediterranean vegetation, mountain ridges, cliffs, and river valleys. Stone bridges and well-kept embankments make for pleasant walks.
A separate stop on the itinerary, Lipa Cave. Archaeologists discovered it in the 19th century, and the underground corridors stretch for three kilometers (according to the cave's official website). The chambers are filled with stalactites and stalagmites in whimsical shapes.
An adult ticket costs €16.90, and the cave tour lasts one hour (as of 09/2026, Lipa Cave official website). A tourist train takes you from the parking lot to the entrance. The cave is not wheelchair accessible, and video recording inside is prohibited.
The trip ends in Cetinje, the country's former capital. Here you'll find palaces, churches, museums, galleries, and an old monastery.
- Format: guided bus tour.
- Duration: about eight hours.
- What's included: transportation, guide, and stops along the route.
- The catch: the cave ticket is purchased separately at the ticket office.
If you want to combine the lake and the cave, book this program on GetYourGuide.
11. Bay of Kotor
© Chensiyuan · CC BY-SAPhoto: Chensiyuan, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia CommonsIt's hard to skip the Bay of Kotor on a trip to Montenegro. It's one of the most recognizable coastal landscapes, where dark green ridges loom over the curved line of rocky shores.
The six-hour program covers the ancient towns along the bay. Natural beauty and old quarters blend into a single picture here. You'll walk through narrow streets lined with noble mansions, stone houses with red roofs, medieval basilicas with bell towers, and fortress walls.
- Format: guided group tour.
- Duration: about six hours.
- Who it's for: those who want to see the signature landscape of the Montenegrin coast.
- The catch: lunch at a cafe and boat ride cost extra.
It's easier to plan the boat and lunch in advance: compare Bay of Kotor tours.
12. Northern Montenegro highlights
© Ingo Mehling · CC BY-SAPhoto: Ingo Mehling, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia CommonsA trip to Durmitor National Park suits those willing to spend a full day on the road. Durmitor is considered the country's largest nature reserve (according to the national parks of Montenegro). It's a serene highland region with rare landscapes.
You'll see mountain ranges, glacial lakes, coniferous forests, deep canyons, and alpine meadows. Along the way, the group admires the Piva Reservoir, where turquoise water is framed by high cliffs under dense vegetation.
The Đurđevića Tara Bridge spans the Tara River canyon surrounded by forested mountains. One of the stops is at the Orthodox Morača Monastery. The road to the monastery winds through gorges with clear rivers and pine forests, and the well-kept grounds feature a fragrant garden.
- Format: full-day driving tour.
- Duration: about ten hours on the road and at stops.
- Who it's for: those who love mountains and don't mind long drives.
- The catch: you spend almost the entire day in the vehicle.
If you want to see the north of the country in one day, book a trip to Durmitor.
13. Historical Montenegro
© Rauda Kadija · CC BY-SAPhoto: Rauda Kadija, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia CommonsThe seven-hour trip introduces you to ancient towns where monuments of the Balkan country's cultural and spiritual heritage have been preserved.
The sightseeing route passes through Cetinje. The former capital is known for its old mansions, museums, and an Orthodox monastery.
Next, the group ascends Mount Lovćen to the mausoleum of Bishop Petar Njegoš. In his ancestral village, you'll be offered a tasting of dry-cured smoked meat, cheese, and homemade wine. Then you'll see the switchback road above the Bay of Kotor, where a panorama of the bay and cliffs opens up. A separate stop is at the Goražda Fortress, most of which is hidden underground.
- Format: guided driving tour.
- Duration: about seven hours.
- Who it's for: those who want to combine history, mountains, and a tasting.
- Not for: those who don't handle winding mountain roads well.
History and the mausoleum are easier to appreciate with a guide: check out the program on GetYourGuide.
14. To Albania from Budva
© Bjørn Christian Tørrissen · CC BY-SAPhoto: Bjørn Christian Tørrissen, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia CommonsAlbania was closed off from the outside world for many years, so a lot of myths have built up around it. The guide unpacks these stereotypes during the trip and shows you the neighboring country in person.
The route starts in Shkoder.
During the walking tour you'll see a city of contrasts: run-down one-story houses sit next to new residential complexes. Among the landmarks, the Orthodox church, Catholic basilica and mosque stand out. The main tourist street is lined with cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops and jewelry workshops.
Then the group climbs the hill to Rozafa Castle, which is more than two thousand years old. According to legend, the fort was named after a girl who was walled up inside the fortress wall. From the top you get views over the city and the surrounding area.
In the village of Mes you'll see an Ottoman stone bridge over the Kir River, built in the 18th century. It's considered a monument to the national hero Skanderbeg. The trip ends in traditional villages, where you'll be introduced to the culinary traditions of the locals.
- Format: group tour with a guide.
- Duration: full day including travel and the border crossing.
- What's included: guide and transportation along the route.
- The catch: passport control at the border can take a while.
If you want to see Albania in a day, book the tour from Budva.
15. Southern contrasts: Bar and Ulcinj

This trip through the south of the country runs along the Adriatic coast and covers two towns with very different characters. The group travels by car with a Russian-speaking guide.
Bar, a popular port town, welcomes you first. The neighborhoods are lush with Mediterranean greenery, and the waterfront is planted with palms and conifers. The route passes the two-story mansion of King Nikola, whose rooms now house a local history museum. Next you'll walk around the Old Town with its clock tower, ancient aqueduct and fortress ruins.
Then the group heads to Ulcinj. This resort draws visitors with its miles-long sandy beach, and in the past it served as a haven for pirates and slave traders. The Old Town sits on hillside slopes behind fortress walls. Winding, steep streets make it easy to imagine how people lived here centuries ago.
- Format: car tour with a guide.
- Duration: half a day or a full day.
- Who it's for: those who want to see the south of Montenegro without long walks.
- The catch: a lot of time is spent driving between towns.
If you want to combine Bar and Ulcinj, choose the southern route.
16. Mini Montenegro tour
Mini Montenegro costs more than the other options in this selection.
This full-day car journey takes you through the country's historical and spiritual sites.
The itinerary includes the ancient capital of Cetinje.
First you'll see the monastery, former European embassy mansions, museums and galleries.
The tour then continues in Lovcen National Park. The mountain range captivates with its peaks, and on one of them stands the mausoleum of Petar Njegos. After that, the group descends along a winding road into the Bay of Kotor. Cliffs loom over the bay, and towns spread out at their feet. Kotor gets special attention, with its labyrinths of narrow medieval streets, a fortress with massive walls and examples of Venetian architecture.
- Format: private car tour.
- Duration: full day.
- Who it's for: those who want to see as much as possible in a single trip.
- The catch: the highest price level in this selection.
If you want a packed one-day itinerary, check out the Mini Montenegro option.
17. Trip to the south of Montenegro
© Ad Meskens You are free to use this picture for any purpose as long as you credit its author, Ad Meskens . Example: © Ad · CC BY-SAPhoto: Ad Meskens You are free to use this picture for any purpose as long as you credit its author, Ad Meskens . Example: © Ad, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia CommonsThis seven-hour private tour suits those who want to combine the nature of the south with ancient history. The price includes both transportation and guide services.
You'll visit Stari Bar at the foot of Mount Rumija. It's an open-air museum where you'll see the ruins of a castle, a cathedral and a massive fortress wall. The guide will show you an ancient olive tree that's about two thousand years old.
Then you'll drive to Ulcinj, the southernmost town in the country. The sand on the town beach is of volcanic origin.
- Format: private car tour.
- Duration: about seven hours.
- What's included: transportation and guide.
- Who it's for: those who want to go at their own pace without a large group.
If you want a long sandy beach and an old town, book the trip to the south.
18. Montenegrin harmony
This eight-hour car tour goes through the country's mountainous terrain. The landscapes here sit alongside historical monuments, so the trip suits those who want to see both nature and architecture.
From Budva, the group drives through authentic villages, highland meadows and river valleys. The route runs along canyons, where steep cliffs form deep gorges and mountain rivers roar at the bottom.
Several stops are planned at terraces along the highway. From there you get views of canyons covered in dense forest. The group visits the Orthodox Moraca Monastery, surrounded by mountains. The Svetigora waterfall cascades next to the monastery, and nearby is the Montenegrin Niagara waterfall with a restaurant serving national cuisine.
- Format: car tour with a guide.
- Duration: about eight hours.
- Who it's for: those who want to combine nature and a monastery.
- The catch: a lot of time is spent on the road between stops.
If you want a mountain loop with waterfalls, check out this route.
19. Cetinje: the heart of Montenegro
© I would appreciate being notified if you use my work outside Wikimedia. More of my work can be found in my personal gall · CC BY-SAPhoto: I would appreciate being notified if you use my work outside Wikimedia. More of my work can be found in my personal gall, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia CommonsA Russian-speaking guide takes you to the country's historical and spiritual capital. The history of quiet Cetinje begins in the late 15th century, when the ruler took refuge here from Ottoman troops at the foot of Lovcen.
The guide tells you about the city's main landmarks. The former capital's greatest treasure is a unique monastery, where the stone buildings house the right hand of John the Baptist and a piece of the cross on which the Savior was crucified. For an extra fee you can enter the sacristy with its collection of precious icons, church vessels and early handwritten books.
On Cetinje's main street stand small mansions with colorful facades. You'll stroll along cobblestone streets lined with cafes and souvenir shops, with mountains rising on the horizon.
- Format: group tour with a guide.
- Duration: half a day.
- Who it's for: those interested in history who want a relaxed pace.
- The catch: entry to the monastery sacristy costs extra.
If history matters to you without long drives, book the trip to Cetinje.
20. Budva fortresses

This trip suits those who have already seen the standard routes and want something offbeat. The guide takes the group to the ruins of the Mogren and Kosmač fortresses, which stand outside the Budva city limits. Organized excursions usually don't go there.
Mogren Fortress was built on a high headland of the Budva Bay. Its position allowed the army to control all approaches to the coast. The ruins are thickly overgrown with trees and tall grass. The fortification survived two world wars but could not withstand a strong earthquake. From the height you'll get a view of the Budva Riviera and the sea.
The second stop, Kosmač Fortress, sits on high ground. The fort defended Montenegro's borders, and today it is half ruined. The silhouette of the fortification is clearly visible from the Budva-Cetinje highway.
- Format: guided driving tour.
- Duration: about three hours.
- Who it's for: those who love abandoned forts and views without crowds.
- Not for: those who expect well-maintained museums.
If you want an unconventional route, book the fortress tour.
21. Skadar Lake, Rijeka Crnojevića and lunch at a waterfall
© Miomir Magdevski · CC BY-SAPhoto: Miomir Magdevski, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia CommonsThis seven-hour tour is designed for those who want to see the unspoiled nature of the largest lake in the Balkans. The guide explains which birds, fish and animals live in this region, and some of the local fauna is listed in the Red Book.
The group enjoys the mountain scenery of Skadar Lake and the grand canyon of the Cijevna River. The route then continues to the village of Rijeka Crnojevića, known for the river of the same name. Its current loops around the hills through forests and green meadows, while the water's surface is covered with patches of water lilies.
The experience is rounded out by the underground world of Lipa Cave with its striking stalactites and stalagmites. Lunch on the itinerary takes place at a waterfall.
- Format: group trip with a guide.
- Duration: about seven hours.
- What's included: transportation and stops along the route.
- The catch: the Lipa Cave ticket and lunch are paid separately.
If you want a day in nature with lunch by the water, book the Skadar Lake tour.
22. A trip to Trebinje
© Diego Delso · CC BY-SAPhoto: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia CommonsFrom Montenegro it's easy to reach a town in neighboring Bosnia and Herzegovina. Trebinje sits among the hills by the Trebišnjica River, and the trip takes a full day.
During the sightseeing walk you'll see plenty of architectural landmarks. First the guide takes the group to the viewpoint on Crkvina Hill, where the Church of the Annunciation stands. From there you can see the ensemble of houses with red tiled roofs and the old arched bridge, a masterpiece of 16th-century Ottoman architecture.
The central square with its centuries-old plane trees deserves special attention. In Trebinje, an Orthodox church, a Catholic basilica and a mosque stand side by side. Old architecture sits next to new residential complexes, and the trip wraps up with a wine tasting at a private estate.
- Format: private car tour.
- Duration: full day including the border crossing.
- Who it's for: those who want to see Bosnia without a long journey.
- The catch: there may be a line at the border, and the tasting is paid separately.
If you want a wine day in Bosnia, check out the Trebinje tour.
23. Grlo Sokolovo Canyon
© Martin Brož · CC BYPhoto: Martin Brož, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), Wikimedia CommonsThis is a route for those who want to see corners of Montenegro that tourists rarely reach. The program combines nature and colorful settlements, so the day is packed.
In a scenic valley above Skadar Lake lies the medieval village of Godinje. Here hundreds of stone houses stand close together, and the guide explains why people built tunnels under each home.
The road then continues to Bukumir Lake. This small glacial lake is surrounded by high cliffs, and nearby you'll find yourself in a green meadow with dense vegetation. The group then climbs to the mountain village of Kučka Korita, which sits at an altitude of about 1,300 meters. The highlight of the excursion is a walk to Grlo Sokolovo Canyon. From the viewpoint you can see the snow-capped peaks of the Prokletije range and a deep chasm.
- Format: car tour with a walking portion.
- Duration: about eight hours.
- Who it's for: those willing to do a bit of walking.
- Not for: those who don't want mountain roads.
If you want wild nature without the crowds, choose the Grlo Sokolovo route.
24. Two capitals: Cetinje and Rijeka Crnojevića
This eight-hour sightseeing trip introduces you to two of the country's historic towns. It starts in the old capital of Cetinje, known for its monastery and old architectural monuments.
The group then moves on to the scenic surroundings of Rijeka Crnojevića. At a private estate you'll be offered local delicacies, prosciutto and cheese, as well as wines and strong rakija. The village's calling cards are its arched bridge and old stone houses. High mountains, dense vegetation and the river give the place a distinctive look.
- Format: group trip with a guide.
- Duration: about eight hours.
- What's included: transportation, guide and tasting.
- Who it's for: those who want history with gastronomy.
If you want a tasting and two old towns, book this trip.
25. Biogradska Gora National Park
© Miomir Magdevski · CC BY-SAPhoto: Miomir Magdevski, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia CommonsBiogradska Gora National Park is a good fit for a relaxed day in nature. It's one of the main natural sites in the Balkans, with a primeval forest, high peaks, meadows and lakes.
You'll take a walk along the trail around Biograd Lake, which lies at the foot of the ridges at an altitude of over 900 meters. The water's surface is surrounded by centuries-old deciduous and coniferous trees. Along the way you'll see birds, butterflies, reptiles and small mammals.
In a designated area of the park you can have a picnic. Entry to the reserve is paid, and tickets are also sold online (according to Montenegro's national parks).
- Format: full-day trip with a guide.
- Duration: about eight hours.
- Who it's for: families and those who enjoy easy walks by the water.
- The catch: park entry is paid separately from the tour.
If you want forest, a lake and a picnic, choose the Biogradska Gora tour.
How to book an excursion from Budva
Most tours pick up groups at hotels in Budva, Becici, and Petrovac, so you don't need a separate transfer. The operator usually confirms the place and time the day before the trip. For border routes, keep your passport handy.
Walking tours of the Old Town are noticeably cheaper than full-day private car tours. If your budget is limited, go with half-day group programs. Choose private routes when you want your own pace and less common spots like the Mogren and Kosmac fortresses.
If you're coming from another country, get an eSIM in advance, because Montenegro is not part of the EU roaming zone: find an eSIM for Montenegro. For longer trips, it's also worth comparing insurance options.
Tours and tickets in Budva
Guided tours, skip-the-line tickets and activities — most offers can be cancelled free of charge.
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⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions
Do you need a guide in Montenegro?
Not necessarily, but a guide makes it easier to get into national parks and border routes. If you're only visiting coastal towns, a map and bus schedules are enough. For mountains and canyons, it's better to take an organized tour.
How much does a tour from Budva cost?
The price depends on the format and duration. A short walking tour of the Old Town costs the least. Half-day group bus tours are in the mid-range, and full-day private car tours with a border crossing cost more than the rest. The operator confirms the exact amount at booking.
Which tours are the shortest?
The fastest option is a one-hour walk through Budva's Old Town. Trips along the Budva Riviera and to Petrovac take a bit longer, both around three hours. That's enough to see the town and surroundings and get back to the beach before evening.
What should you bring for a full day?
Bring water, a hat, and comfortable shoes. For border tours to Albania and Bosnia, you need a passport. Cash comes in handy for park tickets, lunch, and tastings, which are usually not included in the price. Active monasteries ask for covered clothing.
Which tours should you hold off on?
Long mountain routes like Durmitor are not a good fit for small children or people who don't handle winding roads well. In that case, choose Lake Skadar, Lipa Cave, or Biogradska Gora, where the drives are shorter and the walks are more relaxed.
In short: what's worth booking
Tours from Budva cover almost all of Montenegro in a few days. Short walks through the Old Town and Petrovac are easy to schedule on the first day, when you're just getting your bearings. Nature and national parks are better left for the middle of the trip, and long border routes for a day when you're ready to get up early.
What you're looking for | Our pick |
|---|---|
Short on time, first day | Walking tour of Budva's Old Town |
Sea and panoramas | Bay of Kotor |
Nature without a long drive | Lake Skadar and Lipa Cave |
Maximum in one day | Mini Montenegro or Durmitor |
Another country and wine | Trebinje or Albania |
If you want to compare programs and available dates, find a guided tour on GetYourGuide.


