With the dramatic Montenegrin mountains as a backdrop, Kotor is truly unique. A mix of Byzantine and western European influences, Kotor has been ruled by the Slavs, the Venetians and the Ottomans (amongst 14 rulers!) A true melting pot. Today people come to enjoy the special atmosphere of this fortress town, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Perast in picturesque Boka Bay was part of the Venetian Republic with Kotor which was a rival city. Later, with the development of maritime trade, Perast grew. One of the must-see sites of Montenegro is the church of The Lady of the Rock, located on the small Island of St. George, close to Perast.
For custom luxury travel and tours to Kotor, the Montenegrin countryside and Montenegro, please contact one of our travel experts.
The climate on the coast of Montenegro is typically Mediterranean with warm, dry summers and moderately cold and wet winter months.
The very best time to visit Kotor is April, May and June and then in September and October. The warmest months, also considered peak season months are July and August, leading up to early September. These months can be very crowded and hot for touring, however if all you want to do is relax in one of the glamorous resorts, this is also a good time to come.
Kotor’s medieval splendor is offset by the beaches at Budva. A crucible of culture and history in the Balkans, the wealth of history that it contains within its borders is incredible. Roman mosaic, Serbian orthodox monasteries, Greek orthodox churches, and Ottoman minarets enhance its natural beauty. After touring in Kotor, have a leisurely lunch in beautiful Perast, on the bay of Kotor, famous for the islet of our Lady of the Rocks.
Dense forest and soaring mountain peaks that rise dramatically from its shores hold great appeal for bikers, hikers, kayakers, and sporting activity of any kind. Or just relax within its pristine environs overlooking the Adriatic.
Kotor is also a great base for experiencing rural life in the Balkans. From there one can take a day trip out to the countryside where one can still find family owned olive groves, ancient mills where flour is made into home-made bread, and backyard vineyards growing local grape varietals that pair beautifully with the local cuisine. Indulge yourself in Montenegro’s charm and charisma with Exeter International.
Kotor fits well as a relaxing end to a Croatia sightseeing program. Do all of your intensive touring, then end at the most luxurious resort in the region, Sveti Stefan. Enjoy a private boat tour, visit an artisan olive oil farm that has been in the same family for generations, or explore historic Perast.
Our team of travel experts can customize a unique program for you, based on our Essential Montenegro itinerary. We suggest at least one day with a guide to cover Kotor and other important sites in Montenegro, followed by some time at leisure at one of Montenegro’s resorts.
Note: Please upload the Essential Montenegro 2020 itinerary to the Kotor webpage.
If you are on an Adriatic cruise we can arrange a private shore excursion with your own Exeter hand-picked private guide in Kotor. Our private shore excursions ensure that you will receive not only the best experience possible, but personalized service throughout, allowing you to maximize your time in port.
Note: Please upload the Kotor Shore tour itinerary to the Kotor webpage.
Kotor combines well with our programs for Croatia, including our Croatia Self-Drive program, which are ideal for those that prefer more independence.
We can customize a unique program based on our Croatia Ultimate programs for the Dalmatian Coast and Istria, take a day trip to Mostar, or extend your stay further and include Sarajevo, capital of Bosnia, or Belgrade, Capital of Serbia.
The image of the dramatic Montenegrin mountains as the backdrop to Kotor is so emblematic that one must take the opportunity to see them from afar on a cruise taken around Boka Kotorska Bay. This certainly makes for a special experience as you get to take a scenic cruise that will take you past the little medieval towns that line the bay – Kotor, Tivat, Perast, Herceg Novi, while admiring the soaring mountain peaks that rise from its shores.
Montenegro’s traditional cuisine features a wide range of ingredients and flavors, but a definite staple in the region of Kotor is the hand cut Montenegrin Ham/Prosciutto. It is believed that the best prosciutto comes from Njegusi, but one can find local variations of it everywhere as it is an unavoidable item in every Montenegrin table. Pair it with some local cheese, delicious homemade bread, and a glass of local wine and you have yourself an authentic Montenegrin dish!
If you heard traditional music while walking around or dining at a restaurant in Kotor, you will no doubt have heard the Gusle – the national instrument of Montenegro. A single stringed instrument fundamental to the national music and folkore, it is usually carved in a large number of different shapes, most often of characters from Montenegrin history. Much detail and skill is put into the making of a Gusle, so acquiring one throughout your travels makes it for a very special and unique souvenir to take home.
