Podgorica Montenegro - 4 Day Culture Trip

Podgorica Montenegro - 4 Day Culture Trip

Tour Code:
P452
NZ$1,405
Current Stock:
Description

Duration: 4 Days | 3 Nights
Dates: March 15 - November 15 | November 15 - March 15
Countries to be visited: Montenegro
Departure & Return Locations: Podgorica Airport

Many of our European holiday suggestions can be combined, to visit multiple destinations.

The capital of Montenegro, Podgorica, lies in a beautiful valley, surrounded by the picturesque mountains that shape its landscape. Indeed, Podgorica lives up to its name, which in Slavic languages means ‘under the mountain. Podgorica is quite an off-the-beaten-path destination, as it is often overshadowed by its Balkan capital ‘sisters’ and even by many other destinations in Montenegro. It does have the special ambience and exclusiveness of a road untraveled, so it promises to share its story with those who gave it the chance. 

Detailed Itinerary

DAY 1: Welcome to Podgorica

You will be welcomed at the Airport by our guide and taken to the hotel. After check-in and a short break you will start to explore the city. In the old town our attention is drawn by the Ottoman heritage, represented by the ruins of the fortress and the delicate bridge over the river Ribnica, dated back to the 1700s. The other preserved monuments of those times are Starodoganjska and Osmanagica mosques, as well as the Clock Tower. But frankly speaking, Montenegrins are much more proud of their monarch - King Nicola, who liberated their country from the Ottoman rule, so they revere monuments related to his family much higher. In Podgorica they are the Royal Palace and his monument that we also stop to find out about. Here and there we will come across an eclectic mix of socialist-boring and modern architecture. One of the main landmarks of the capital is the Millennium Bridge that enriches the cityscape with its avangard design. We cannot miss visiting the main religious building of Podgorica, the Orthodox Church of the Resurrection, or “Hristovog Vaskrsenja”. Interestingly, it had been built for 20 years, and was finished only in 2013. Even so it is brand new, the pompous building is created in a unique style. Byzantine motifs blend with Gothic and modern features. For example, its towers were designed to resemble the famous Cathedral of St. Tryphon in Kotor.

DAY 2: Montenegrin cousin of Venice

Being a tiny capital of a tiny country, Podgorica becomes a perfect start for further explorations of incredible Montenegro. This day we will dedicate probably to the most famous destination in Montenegro - Budva riviera. But first we make a scenic stop near Sveti Stefan peninsula, gracefully nestled between the land and the sea. We appreciate Sveti Stefan from the shore, since the peninsula hosts a luxurious resort now. Budva is a real princess of Montenegro. As aristocratically sophisticated and suave as she is, fashionable resorts and modern vibes bring a youngish ardour to this lady. Its history spans around 2500 years, so we may discern Roman ruins in the centre of Budva. But the town reached the height during the rule of Venetians that built defensive walls encircling the old town. On the square of churches we marvel at 3 shrines representing various historical epochs and religions. A little bit outside the old town we find the statue of a ballerina, gracefully frozen in a dance move. A lot of legends are related to this girl, and our guide is happy to confide them in you. Besides, this spot offers the best panorama on Budva as well. After the tour you are given free time to indulge in Budva by yourself. You may get lost in its streets and cafes, or simply relax by one of many beaches along the Adriatic coast.

DAY 3: Miracle in the cliff

We go to one of the most famous and unusual places of Montenegro - Ostrog cave monastery. Perched on a 900-metre cliff, perfectly fit in the silhouette of the rocks, this monastery is the most important religious place for Orthodox Christians in Montenegro. Some parishioners ascend there barefoot or on their knees. Sv. Vasilije (St. Basil) the Miraculous, a bishop from Hercegovina, brought his monks to the place after the Ottomans destroyed his monastery near Trebinje. He started this monastery with three caves in the 17th century, and now it impresses with deftness and significance of the structure. The frescoes on the rough stone are, unconditionally, both tremendous works of art and a symbol of pure dedication to God. They depict St. Sava, St. Basil and scenes from the life of Christ and religious holidays. On the way back to Podgorica, passing through valleys of vineyards, we cannot help paying a visit to one of the local wineries. Rich soils and mild climate made this region perfect for winemaking, so get ready to taste indigenous wine flavours and simply relax with a glass of wine somewhere amid Montenegrin countryside.

DAY 4: Depature

On this day, our journey comes to an end. You will take home unforgettable memories as well as the feeling of having experienced something special. You have spent time very intensively and eventfully, but there’s still so much more things to explore and it would be no wonder if you would like to come here again. We are always glad to help you with planning your next trip!

Note

As an alternative to the standard program on Day 3, you can choose one of the following for an extra cost. You can also extend the 4-Day trip by one or two days and include the options below for an additional cost. 

Alternative Option 1: Cetinje and Lipa cave tour (including transfer, guidance and entrance fees) - May to November Season only

A few know that Montenegro has its secondary capital. Not only had the town of Cetinje been People the historic capital of Montenegro for centuries, but the official residence of the President and some ministries are situated there now. With its almost 600-year-old history, Cetinje is abound with historic charm. Once ‘the smallest European capital’, the breath of the past is felt in its narrow streets and miniature buildings. One of them is the Vlach church of the 15th century, named after the Vlach peoples who helped to build this chapel.

Then we visit Cetinje Serbian Orthodox monastery. Its building of white stone fascinates us with one of the richest collections of Orthodox relics on the Balkans and the iconostasis, carved of wood. A visit to King Nikola’s Palace, which is a museum now, will reveal you one of the most unknown royal dynasties in Europe.

Afterwards we offer you to visit...another planet? At least, this is the official motto of Lipa cave that promises otherworldly cave passages to explore. Opened for the public in 2015 only, the cave is a rising star among must-have destinations in Montenegro. On a special ‘train’ we take a brief scenic ride to the cave, where we enter the underworld. We immerse ourselves in a kingdom of quirky stone formations, flickering lights and mysteriously drip-dropping water.

Alternative Option 2: Tour to Kotor and Perast (including transfer, guidance and entrance fees).

Today we are exploring the world-famous Bay of Kotor. This unique fjord is hemmed in by cliffs, rippling gulfs and sparkling straits, so you will definitely fall in love with this gorgeous place. Region of Kotor is praised by UNESCO because of its harmonious blend of fortifications, palaces and monastic ensembles with the landscape on the slopes of high rocky hills.

Our first destination is the medieval town of Kotor. Its impregnable ‘Great Wall of Europe’ encloses not just the old town, but also the mountain towering above. Centuries back, not only did Kotor residents work on strengthening the walls, but also sought protection from higher forces. As a result, St. Tryphon’s church, built in honor of Sveti Trifun, the patron of the town, is considered to be the
most beautiful in Montenegro. We also pay our attention to the Romanesque St. Luke’s Church and 8 the Renaissance clock tower in the main square of the city, which were built under the Venetian rule. Scenic road leads us to Perast. This place of Baroque touch amazes us with a contrast between its size and a number of heritage pieces - a couple of narrow streets are rich with dozens of palaces and churches. Here we have some free time to wander the town on your own. Optionally, we recommend you to do a boat trip to the Our Lady of Rocks church. It is situated on a man-made island around the rock where Madonna’s image appeared to a sailor. On this site, in the Middle Ages the island was erected and the magnificent church was built. Pilgrims of locals and tourists support the tradition to strengthen the island by throwing stones into the water around.

 

Tour Price
• Price shown is for a person based on twin share accommodation (The price is based on 3* accommodation. 4* hotels can be organised if requested for an extra cost).  
• All prices displayed are subject to availability and can be withdrawn or varied without notice.
• Prices are guaranteed once booking is confirmed by us and paid in full by the due date.
• Depending on your needs and group size (individual, couple, family, group, etc.) we will provide the final pricing for your tour.

Inclusions:
• Accommodation for 3 nights with Breakfast (Twin Share) 
• All transfers throughout the stay 
• English speaking guide / English speaking city tours
• Tickets to attractions mentioned in the itinerary including wine tasting on Day 3
• Transfer to and from the airport

Exclusions:
• International airfare
• Travel Insurance
• Airport taxes and charges
• Any Private Expenses
• Meals not mentioned (Lunch & Dinner)
• Personal Incidentals such as Telephone calls, Room Service, Laundry
• Tip to Guide/Driver, Porterage Fee and others which are personal in nature
• Other services not mentioned in the itinerary

Please refer to our Standard Booking Conditions for booking terms and conditions.