This voyage explores one of the most dramatic and culturally layered coastlines in the Mediterranean. Sailing through the fjord‑like Bay of Kotor, visiting the Venetian towns of Perast and Kotor, exploring the ancient sites of Stari Bar and Ulcinj, and travelling inland to the wild beauty of Lake Skadar, you’ll experience Montenegro’s history from Illyrian fortresses to medieval monasteries and Ottoman‑era towns. Unlike standard holidays, this is an expert‑led cultural cruise, blending archaeology, architecture, landscapes, and superb regional cuisine with the comfort of a beautifully maintained gulet.
Montenegro is by no means the largest country we visit, but for cultural richness, historical depth and the sheer beauty of its natural environment and built heritage, it can proudly join the ranks of our Montenegro gulet cruise tours as an equal. Indeed, the concentration of memorable views and visits, sparkling waters and superb local dishes in such a relatively short coast makes for a remarkably rewarding experience. And this is a coast made for exploration by gulet: the seascapes are ethereally beautiful, strewn with islands and headlands that make for ever-changing views in addition to the remarkable fjord-like Bay of Kotor. There are beaches with jewel-like clear waters behind which are green wooded hills hemmed in by wonderfully atmospheric mountains; and here and there lie the intricate inlets where we can explore the interior, each hidings its wonders till the last concealing hills are passed.
The narrow margin of this coast has meant that a lot has happened in these mountain-fenced boundaries: history has had to be made and remade in the same places, giving Montenegro a profoundly multi-layered history, especially when one considers the places its coast gives access to: ships, traders and battle-fleets making their way to and from Greece and Italy and up and down the Adriatic have constantly made their way here: merchants, conquerors and pirates have made much of its history, and given us much to see.
This Montenegro gulet cruise will take you from the ancient Illyrians, one of the great peoples of the European Iron Age, whose raids assailed Macedonia and brought the Roman Republic to make her first intrusion into the Greek east, through the cities and villas of the Roman Empire and on into the medieval world. Here, mercantile city republics gave way to the unmistakable imprint of Venice on their heartbreakingly perfect walled cities, and then the overwhelming domination of the Ottomans. And all of these write their tale in the fabric of the country, in its towns and villages – and its food and wine.
From Kotor to Budva, and from Perast to Ulcinj and beyond, you’ll find intricate Roman mosaics, imposing Italianate palazzi and baroque churches here, Ottoman mosques and fountains there. There’ll be fabulous food in beloved family restaurants with sublime views, wine in wooded hills and views over expansive lakes filled with surpassingly varied birdlife. Once again, we bring you a trip that will bring you the finest vistas, the best of traditional, authentic cuisine and, of course, absorbing histories brilliantly told. You’ll spend a week with us exploring and a lifetime remembering.
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Day 1: NB: The itinerary on this cruise is likely to change slightly according to the weather conditions. Some modifications regarding the order or days of crossings, or visits may occur.
Your gulet awaits you in Tivat marina, about 15 minutes from Tivat airport. Our welcome meal on board together.
Your gulet awaits you in Tivat marina, about 15 minutes from Tivat airport. Our welcome meal on board together.
Day 2: After breakfast we cruise to the beautiful walled Old Town of Budva, atmospherically huddled behind its defences on a little peninsula which keeps it at pristine arm’s-length from its modern successor. From the outside, a pretty church tower and the undulating rooflines overlapping and threading gives its wall circuit a warm, lived-in look, framed magnificently by a sweep of tree-swathed hills in a broad, sparkling bay. We enter to find fine Venetian streets, medieval churches and a museum which takes us back further to Roman Butua with charm-filled mosaics of sea creatures real and mythical – and beyond to Greeks and the powerful Illyrian peoples.
In the afternoon, we take a look at an even more secluded spot, the tiny walled town of Sveti Stefan set on a craggy islet at the end of a causeway, and seemingly designed to excite movie location planners. We end the day in one of the deep bays nearby, where boats seem to hover on invisible waters.
In the afternoon, we take a look at an even more secluded spot, the tiny walled town of Sveti Stefan set on a craggy islet at the end of a causeway, and seemingly designed to excite movie location planners. We end the day in one of the deep bays nearby, where boats seem to hover on invisible waters.
Day 3: We make the short drive to Virpazar for a trip on Skadar Lake. This remarkable place, a national park for decades, feels hidden from the world by expansive wetlands and the green ramparts of the Rumija mountains and other hills marching off till they become blue and distant. Secure in these lovely surroundings, it’s a home for a bird population of surpassing richness – one of the most varied in Europe. A more human, historically busier past is evidenced by the fortresses and monasteries which fringe the shore.
Driving into the hills, we find amid the woods, perched for a fine view of the lake, the village of Godinje, a network of houses in ancient stone, famed for its wine-making. Once we’ve explored, we discover first-hand why the wines are famous. We then head for lunch in the artfully-restored Ottoman fortress of Besac, nestling on a tree-clad ridge and whose architects were evidently also enchanted by views of the lake. We return to our boat in the afternoon and follow the coast southeast until a fine bay compels us to linger overnight.
Driving into the hills, we find amid the woods, perched for a fine view of the lake, the village of Godinje, a network of houses in ancient stone, famed for its wine-making. Once we’ve explored, we discover first-hand why the wines are famous. We then head for lunch in the artfully-restored Ottoman fortress of Besac, nestling on a tree-clad ridge and whose architects were evidently also enchanted by views of the lake. We return to our boat in the afternoon and follow the coast southeast until a fine bay compels us to linger overnight.
Day 4: We visit Ulcinj, another artist-pleasing medieval walled town – and sometime pirate haven. Standing high over the turquoise waters behind sturdy, beetling walls, it retains an old feel - and a more Albanian-Ottoman one, with its many mosques, fountains and hammams. We explore the winding streets of the old town and the fortress, whose many possessors – Byzantines, Serbs, Venetians, Ottomans – show just how fine a location this is. Private access to museums taking us through the life of Ottoman beys and the corsairs of Ulcinj complete our story here. With a full morning behind us, we take a short drive to lunch crowned by an olive oil tasting. Afterwards, we are back on board to swim in another glorious bay before cruising north.
Day 5: The morning takes us into those alluring hills. A short drive and we’re at Stari (‘Old’) Bar, an aged town far from the world’s noise, circling a hilltop with its grey stone walls, sublimely-placed aqueduct and distinctive clock tower, its detachment emphasised by the heaping up behind of the heights of Mount Rumija. Deserted until recently, and parts still in aesthetically dishevelled or flower-carpeted ruin, there’s a sense of discovering a time-frozen place here. And one with the characteristic layers of history – Illyrian, Roman, Byzantine, Serb and Ottoman all play there part here, as does a hard-fought siege in 1878, which was the making of Montenegro. After lunch, we rejoin our vessel in pursuit of another of this coast’s inexhaustible supply of perfect bays in which to do as much nothing as we fancy while the views etch themselves into our memories.
Day 6: Our morning is spent winding our way through the Bay of Kotor, an intricate and questing route inland through stunning, fjord-like surroundings with time to swim or to just be awed by the glassy waterways, hidden inlets and the rampart-mountains that make so much of the coast here their precious green hem. We find our destination just in time for lunch, if that’s proved too taxingly wonderful, and it’s another special location that seems drawn from fantasy: the centuries-old mill at Ćatovića Mlini, lovingly-restored as a restaurant by a family who have lived here for generations.
In the afternoon we cruise to Risan, not far away at all at the other end of the sound. A well-protected harbour, it was ancient Illyrian Rhizon. Illyrian piracy brought on one of the earliest phases of Roman expansion, and in the imperial period that left a splendid villa for us to visit, with magnificently refined black-and-white mosaics still in situ. A further short journey takes us round the karst headland to Perast, a little slice of Venice with the inlet’s mouth wonderfully framed by twin islands with churches that contrast in style, but matched in prettiness. We admire the Italianate palazzi and baroque artistry of this unmissable town, and discover, in the Maritime Museum, its surprising former history as a potent naval power.
In the afternoon we cruise to Risan, not far away at all at the other end of the sound. A well-protected harbour, it was ancient Illyrian Rhizon. Illyrian piracy brought on one of the earliest phases of Roman expansion, and in the imperial period that left a splendid villa for us to visit, with magnificently refined black-and-white mosaics still in situ. A further short journey takes us round the karst headland to Perast, a little slice of Venice with the inlet’s mouth wonderfully framed by twin islands with churches that contrast in style, but matched in prettiness. We admire the Italianate palazzi and baroque artistry of this unmissable town, and discover, in the Maritime Museum, its surprising former history as a potent naval power.
Day 7: It would be wrong to leave without paying court to the church-islets which have attracted our gaze so much, so we visit Gospa od Škrpjela, ‘Our Lady of the Rocks’, which so perfectly emphasises Perast’s embrace of the sea. Artificially created from ships laden with rocks and sunk, it’s given its divine appearance by a delicately refined church daintily surmounted by pastel blue domes.
After some more time spent enjoying the charms of the bays here, we make our way after lunch, to Kotor,
where we are met by breath-taking sights – built and natural - at every turn; a perfect crescendo for our trip. We explore its old town, abounding in Venetian influences and filled with churches, some frescoed in the Byzantine manner, others with the imprint of the medieval west or Baroque. It’s a vivid reminder of the many interlaced layers of Montenegro’s history. After enjoying its marvels we make our final journey to Tivat marina, allowing the views that have made this such a memorable week to recede in the sunset as we have our farewell dinner on board.
After some more time spent enjoying the charms of the bays here, we make our way after lunch, to Kotor,
where we are met by breath-taking sights – built and natural - at every turn; a perfect crescendo for our trip. We explore its old town, abounding in Venetian influences and filled with churches, some frescoed in the Byzantine manner, others with the imprint of the medieval west or Baroque. It’s a vivid reminder of the many interlaced layers of Montenegro’s history. After enjoying its marvels we make our final journey to Tivat marina, allowing the views that have made this such a memorable week to recede in the sunset as we have our farewell dinner on board.
Day 8: Transfers to Tivat airport, about 15 minutes away.
I would like to book, what else do I need to know?
For information not covered below please refer to our FAQ’s or contact us directly on [email protected]
Arrival Airport – Tivat (TIV)
Departure Airport – Tivat (TIV)
Arrival Location – Tivat Marina (approx. 15 mins from airport)
Departure Location – Tivat Marina (approx. 15 mins from airport)
Embarkation and departure is planned for approx.17:00. You are more than welcome to arrive earlier to drop off your bags, but please be aware that the crew will be busy cleaning and tidying making everything ready for your group so you will not be able to settle into your cabin.
If your travel plans or flights do not allow you to arrive before 17:00 we recommend arriving the day before the tour starts. This would also allow time to relax, recover from any jet lag and arrive at the boat on time for embarkation and departure.
If you arrive at the gulet after 17:00, we will do our best to enable you to join the tour at a later time and place.
Please Note: Departure time is subject to change depending on weather, harbour, or other conditions.
Disembarkation is at 09:00. We will arrange local transfers on the first and last day of the tour.
Booking Flights: The easiest way to get to and from the gulet is to fly to/from Tivat airport.
Please note: Flights are subject to change. Please contact the airline for exact details.
If you prefer to book with a travel agent, we are happy to recommend specialists in a number of countries around the world, please contact our office for more details.
Travel Insurance:We consider adequate travel insurance to be essential. You should ensure that you take out a suitable policy, to make sure that your trip is properly covered.
Visas: Citizens of the U.K., EU countries, the U.S., Canada, Australia and New Zealand do not need visas to visit Montenegro. Visitors can visit Montenegro for up to 90 days in any 180 day period. For more details, please visit the website of Montenegro’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Custom tours or additional travel in Montenegro: If you are planning to spend any additional time in Montenegro before or after your gulet trip, we are happy to assist you either directly or via our trusted family-run partner local agency.
Tour Includes:
Cruising aboard the 8-cabin gulet Sadri Usta 1
Full board accommodation with water, tea and coffee and wine with dinner
Airport transfers on the first and last day of the tour
Travel by private minibus
Harbour fees and crew services
All entrance fees and tips on land
The services of your expert tour leader throughout the entire trip
WiFi (coverage permitting)
Not included:
Flights and airport taxes
Visas
Travel insurance
Gratuities on the gulet. It is customary to tip the crew at the end of a tour (we recommend a minimum of 30Euro per day per guest)
Tips for guides
Dušan Medin
Dušan Medin is a Montenegrin archaeologist and heritage specialist. Born and raised on the Adriatic coast, he developed a lifelong fascination with Montenegro's rich cultural landscapes, where traces of Illyrian, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian civilisations continue to shape the country's identity and everyday life.
Dušan studied Archaeology at the University of Belgrade before earning a Master's degree in Cultural Policy and Management in Belgrade and Lyon. He is currently nearing completion of a PhD. in Archaeology at the University of Primorska in Slovenia and in Theory of Arts at the University of Donja Gorica in Montenegro. His research interests extend beyond archaeology into heritage and memory studies, exploring how the past is preserved, interpreted and debated in the modern world.
Alongside his academic work, Dušan teaches Cultural Heritage and Cultural Tourism at the University of Donja Gorica and has long been involved in the professional training of Montenegro’s licensed tourist guides, lecturing on cultural heritage and the history of art and culture. He also serves as an external examiner for the national guiding qualification, helping to maintain high professional standards within the profession.
His career has combined archaeology, museums and heritage management. He has served as Director of the Kotor Museums and as Curator and Administrative Manager at the Museums and Galleries of Budva, and he is currently Executive Director of the Montenegrin Association for Cultural Development 'Bauo'. He has led and contributed to numerous national and international projects in archaeology, museums, cultural tourism and heritage-led community development, working with universities, museums and cultural institutions across Europe and the USA. An active researcher and author, he regularly takes part in excavations, conferences and collaborative research projects focused on the Adriatic region.
For Dušan, guiding is a natural extension of his academic life. He relishes sharing Montenegro’s archaeological sites and historic towns with our guests, as well as the landscapes, traditions, cuisine and daily rhythms that give them meaning. He believes the best journeys combine deep knowledge with curiosity, conversation and a genuine sense of place - and it is this balance that he brings to his work as a guide. We are delighted to have been working with Dušan since the very start of our tours in Montenegro.
What makes this Montenegro gulet cruise unique?
What is life like on the gulet during this Montenegro cruise?
Your gulet is a traditional wooden vessel, elegantly restored and designed for comfort: ensuite cabins, spacious decks, shaded dining areas, and a friendly, professional crew. Distances in Montenegro are relatively short, so the cruise focuses on scenic coastal journeys and in‑depth visits ashore. Expect relaxed morning or early‑afternoon cruises, followed by guided explorations of historic towns, monasteries, fortresses, and the chance to enjoy the spectacular mountain‑and‑sea scenery. Many guests say the gulet becomes a highlight in its own right.
Who leads this tour?
Your journey is led by one of our expert guides, specialists in the history, archaeology, and culture of the Adriatic. They accompany you throughout the voyage, together with certified local guides, offering insightful explanations at every site. Guests often tell us that travelling with a passionate, knowledgeable guide is what makes a Peter Sommer Travels cultural cruise truly exceptional. Please click on the tour experts’ names under the tour dates to read full bios and testimonials.
Will there be opportunities to swim?
Absolutely, yes — and they are one of the great pleasures of this journey. Depending on the day’s schedule, the gulet will anchor in a quiet bay or cove in the morning or afternoon, giving you time for a refreshing swim before or after one of the site visits. On some days, according to where we overnight, you can also choose to swim first thing in the morning before breakfast. As well as cabin towels, swimming towels are also provided, together with floats, kayaks and paddle boards ladders.
How much walking does this tour involve?
Our gulet cruises in Montenegro include regular walks through archaeological sites, historic towns, and natural landscapes. Distances vary, but you can expect some uneven and broken ground, some inclines and declines, and occasional longer site visits. We take everything at a measured pace, with time to pause, absorb the atmosphere, and enjoy expert commentary. Good walking shoes and a reasonable level of fitness will ensure you get the most from the experience. The tour is rated 2 out of 5 on our intensity scale, meaning it is classed as moderate. You can find out more by visiting the fitness levels page on our website.
What kind of food and wine can I expect on board and ashore?
Montenegro is renowned for fresh seafood, excellent meats, seasonal vegetables, wonderful olive oils, and superb wines produced both on the mainland and on the islands. Meals on board are prepared by the gulet’s cook, while selected meals ashore introduce you to local dishes and regional specialities. Dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice. Food and wine lovers often describe our gulet cruises as gastronomic journeys in their own right.
