Day 2 · Kotor, Montenegro
Cruise the Bay of Kotor and Tour Perast on Foot Glimpse Montenegro’s Baroque treasures and cruise beautiful Kotor Bay on this scenic excursion. Journey by boat with your guide to nearby Perast. This town enjoyed its heyday during the 17th century and boasts some impressive baroque homes built by wealthy sea captains. On a short walking tour, you can learn about the town’s maritime history. After, return to your boat and set out for the island of Gospa od Škrpjela, or Our Lady of the Rocks. This tiny manmade islet was created over centuries by sailors who placed rocks here in thanks for a safe return from sea. In the Church of Our Lady of the Rocks, see the 17th-century paintings of Tripo Kokolja. Board a motor coach for the return journey to Kotor, where you can enjoy a walk with your guide before returning to your ship. * Moderate - Walking portions may be long and somewhat challenging with occasional step-ups, stairs and inclines. Total time walking or standing normally ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours.
UNESCO-listed Sites & Local Fare Discover historic sites and enjoy a three-course lunch with local wine at one of the region’s best restaurants. Meet your guide and set off on foot into the heart of Kotor’s UNESCO-listed old town, the best-preserved medieval city in the Mediterranean. Here, 9th-century walls enclose spectacular medieval churches, palaces and cathedrals, including St. Tryphon’s. Then, board a private boat to sail to the manmade island Our Lady of the Rocks, to visit a 15th-century church containing paintings by famous local artist Tripo Kokolja. After, drive to the stunning seaside historic hamlet of Morinj. You will enjoy a three-course lunch with local wines at one of the region’s best restaurants, Catovica Mlini. Set within a former mill, this family-run venue is known for its seafood dishes and stunning surroundings. Peacocks and geese wander the grounds amid mountainous, riverside scenery. * Moderate - Walking portions may be long and somewhat challenging with occasional step-ups, stairs and inclines. Total time walking or standing normally ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours.
Cruise to Historic Sites Explore Kotor’s UNESCO-listed sites on a scenic speedboat ride around Boka Bay’s striking landscapes. Board a speedboat for the picturesque town of Prcanj, where beautiful gardens grow beside 17th- and 18th-century stone villas, remnants of the town’s prosperous history as a shipping port. See St. Nicholas’ Church, a place of worship turned into a museum, to learn about the area’s history and its first world explorer. Cruise to the manmade island of Our Lady of the Rocks to visit a stunning 15th-century church which houses ancient art and artifacts, including 17th-century paintings by the famous local artist Tripo Kokolja. Then, discover three impressive submarine tunnels built by the Yugoslav Army, hidden in the landscape along the coast. Your last stop will be Porto Montenegro, a new neighborhood built on a former naval base with shops, cafes and resort-style amenities. * Demanding - Physically challenging activities, including extensive walks, hiking, riding, water sports, and high altitude activities. Activities by foot may contain difficult, unpaved surfaces and/or multiple stairs and steep inclines. Total time walking or standing may exceed 3 hours.
An Intimate Recital in the Heart of Prčanj Attend an unforgettable concert in a truly stunning venue during this delightful excursion. Join your local guide for a panoramic cruise to nearby Prčanj, a picturesque seaside town along the Bay of Kotor. Its waterfront features an array of 17th- and 18th-century stone villas that pay homage to the town’s prosperity as an administrative center of the Venetian Republic. At the foot of Mt. Vrmac lies the Church of the St. Nicholas Franciscan Monastery. Step inside the picturesque courtyard and hear about the history of the Franciscans and the town’s decorated explorer, Ivan Visin, who was the first Croat to circumnavigate the globe. We invite you inside to relax with a glass of champagne and enjoy an exclusive guitar recital by two eminent Montenegrin musicians, Darko Nikčević and Srdjan Bulatović. After the recital, return to your awaiting ship. * Easy - Walking portions are generally over easy surfaces with few steps or inclines. Total time walking or standing is normally not longer than 1.5 hours.
Experience a Taste of Montenegro Journey into the breathtaking Montenegro countryside for a taste of the country’s rich bounty. With a local guide, you will drive through the Vrmac Tunnel beneath its namesake mountain. The tunnel was completed in 2007 and now links Kotor to the country’s motorways. Your destination is the Luštica Peninsula, known for its beautiful coastline and its production of such local products as cheese, prosciutto and wine. Immerse yourself in the farming culture during a visit and tour one of the local olive farms. Walk through the groves of centuries-old trees to the modern production facility where olive oil is produced. You will see the venerable stone olive press and farmhouse and witness the rural way of life in Montenegro before sampling and learning about the local produce. After returning to Kotor, join your guide for a short walking tour and some free time to explore Old Town. * Moderate - Walking portions may be long and somewhat challenging with occasional step-ups, stairs and inclines. Total time walking or standing normally ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours.
Experience the Best of “Black Mountain” Experience the road between Kotor and Cetinje, which has been called one of the most beautiful in the world. With your local guide, ascend the slopes of Lovćen Mountain. Gaining more elevation, you will marvel at Lovćen National Park, part of the Dinara Alps, as the waters of the Adriatic and Kotor Bay sparkle below. Stop at Njeguši, a charming mountain village and birthplace of Petar II Petrović-Njegoš, one of Montenegro’s most influential leaders of the 19th century. Here, you will sample some local specialties, including ham, cheese and wine. In Montenegro’s former capital, Cetinje, visit King Nikola’s Museum to learn how he introduced sweeping reforms to the country in the early 20th century. After passing through the summer resort of Budva, return to Kotor and your awaiting ship. * Moderate - Walking portions may be long and somewhat challenging with occasional step-ups, stairs and inclines. Total time walking or standing normally ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours.
See a Spectacular Mountain Region on Foot Enjoy a blend of nature, history and culture during a guided hiking trip in stunning Lovcen National Park. Embark on a scenic drive by motor coach from Kotor to the spectacular, mountainous region of the Dinaric Alps. Travel upward more than 4,000 feet to the base of Lovcen Mountain in its namesake national park, where you will meet your guide for a 4-mile hike. Trek through verdant meadows and forested paths, and to the black mountain, Lovcen, which gives Montenegro its name. Boasting two imposing peaks— 5,738 foot Stirovnik and 5,436 foot Jezerski Vrh—explore the park’s diverse landscapes and rocky paths that open to panoramic views over the valleys and the Adriatic Sea. Along the way, stop at a local restaurant for refreshments and sample local Montenegrin snacks. During your return journey, take in the views of Boka Bay and the picturesque coast. * Demanding - Physically challenging activities, including extensive walks, hiking, riding, water sports, and high altitude activities. Activities by foot may contain difficult, unpaved surfaces and/or multiple stairs and steep inclines. Total time walking or standing may exceed 3 hours.
Meet Vintners and Sample Local Wine with Lunch Travel to the beautiful Montenegrin countryside to sample local wines with a three-course lunch. Embark on a scenic drive by motor coach into the heart of mountainous, rural Montenegro. Stop for a walk in a lovely arboretum where your guide will teach you about the trees and plant life here, including some brought from around the world. Your destination, however, is the picturesque village of Nudo to visit the family-run Dabovic Winery. Operating for over a century, with plants that date back as long, this organic winery is internationally renowned for its award-winning vintages and brandies made from homegrown fruit. Organic vegetables are also grown here, with honey and a variety of dairy products made onsite. You will taste a selection of house wines and liquor with a delicious three-course meal, surrounded by spectacular untouched nature. * Easy - Walking portions are generally over easy surfaces with few steps or inclines. Total time walking or standing is normally not longer than 1.5 hours.
A Stroll Through a Historical Town Discover the charms of this medieval city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled between limestone cliffs and a bay. From your ship, take the short walk with your guide to Kotor’s network of cobblestone streets. In the main square, you will see the Venetian walls that surround the city. Constructed in 1420, they have been reinforced through the centuries and stand well-preserved today. You will also visit the 12th-century Romanesque Cathedral of St. Tryphon, a remarkable repository of 14th-century frescoes and valuable artifacts. Over the centuries, the building has suffered earthquake damage—as evidenced by its mismatched towers, one of which was rebuilt with meager funds after a tremor. At the maritime museum, set in a historic building, browse an engaging exhibit depicting the seafaring heritage of Kotor. After, return to your awaiting ship. * Moderate - Walking portions may be long and somewhat challenging with occasional step-ups, stairs and inclines. Total time walking or standing normally ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours.
Join Our Executive Chef for a Unique, Market-to-Table Experience Immerse yourself in local culture and cuisine as our Executive Chef leads you on an interactive culinary adventure. Journey by mini-coach to the local market to handpick ingredients under the guidance of our Chef. Later this evening, you will dine on regional dishes prepared by our experienced culinary team, using produce from the market. As you and your fellow guests enjoy this delicious creation at The Kitchen Table, you will also observe the art of plating with each dish. From fresh market fare to cooking techniques and elegant presentation, experience firsthand how your ship’s world-class culinary staff brings distinct, local flavors from the market to your taste buds. It is an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind opportunity to shop, interact and dine with the masters. Please note: In the absence of a traditional food market in the destination, guests will visit various local stores for ingredients. * Moderate - Walking portions may be long and somewhat challenging with occasional step-ups, stairs and inclines. Total time walking or standing normally ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours.
Historic Sites and Spectacular Views Explore Tivat’s picturesque waterfront, take in the views from Lovcen Mountain and discover Kotor’s old town. Meet your guide at the pier and drive to Tivat, an upscale waterfront and marina, home to world-class yachts, chic cafés and boutiques. Here you will enjoy a guided tour and free time at your leisure to soak up the atmosphere, perhaps from one of the pavement cafés. Return to your motor coach and head to Boka Bay’s cable car station to board a gondola and ascend to the top of Lovcen Mountain in its namesake national park. This towering black karst massif gives Montenegro its name and beautiful, sweeping views abound here. At the summit, enjoy refreshments and free time to stroll in the mountain air before descending and continuing your journey to Kotor. Here, you will explore its charismatic old town with your guide, before returning to your ship. * Easy - Walking portions are generally over easy surfaces with few steps or inclines. Total time walking or standing is normally not longer than 1.5 hours.
Experience Off-Road Thrills Set out for an exciting half-day of exploring Kotor’s scenic surroundings and mountain trails in a 4x4 ATV. Meet your guide and drivers, and listen to a short safety briefing before boarding your four-person ATV. Once you are comfortable in your vehicle, head into Kotor’s lush surroundings. Traverse the winding roads of the Vrmac Mountain to the Trojica viewpoint. Admire the city’s splendor: the orange-roofed buildings that dot the verdant landscape, backdropped by towering mountains. Head off-road to begin your ascent to the highest point of Vrmac Mountain, navigating rugged terrain. Park your ATV before hiking to the top for another stunning view and a tasty snack. After, continue off-roading through Vrmac Nature Park to the 19th-century Gorazda Fortress, which features an impressive turret. Enjoy free time to explore this hidden gem before returning to your ship. * Demanding - Physically challenging activities, including extensive walks, hiking, riding, water sports, and high altitude activities. Activities by foot may contain difficult, unpaved surfaces and/or multiple stairs and steep inclines. Total time walking or standing may exceed 3 hours.