12 days in The Balkans Itinerary

Montenegro's top tourist destination, Budva draws big crowds with its pulsating nightlife and sun-kissed beaches.

Your day by day itinerary now includes Miločer Park, Citadel and Mogren Beach. Start off your visit on the 20th (Sat): make a trip to St. Thomas Church, then admire the natural beauty at Miločer Park, and then kick back and relax at Bečići Beach. On the next day, stroll through Mogren Beach, contemplate the long history of Citadel, and then contemplate the long history of Budva Old Town.

To find photos, where to stay, maps, and tourist information, refer to the Budva trip planner.

Paris, France to Budva is an approximately 6-hour flight. You can also drive; or do a combination of train and bus. While traveling from Paris, expect somewhat warmer days and about the same nights in Budva, ranging from highs of 27°C to lows of 13°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 22nd (Mon) so you can drive to Podgorica.

One of Europe's most relaxed and newest capital cities, Podgorica sits on the confluence of two rivers, with two sides of it offering two different options for exploring.

Kick off your visit on the 22nd (Mon): contemplate the waterfront views at Lake Skadar, pause for some serene contemplation at Dajbabe Monastery, and then take in the architecture and atmosphere at St. George's Church. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: do a tasting at 13 Jul Plantaže Vineyard and then explore the activities along Bukumirsko Lake.

Find out how to plan Podgorica trip without stress by asking Inspirock to help create an itinerary.

Traveling by car from Budva to Podgorica takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and train; or take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 24th (Wed) to allow time to drive to Ulcinj.

While on vacation in Ulcinj, you'll be able to experience two distinct cultures without having to put one foot out of Montenegro.

On the 24th (Wed), examine the collection at Ulcinj Museum of Archaeology, Ethnology and Local History and then explore the activities along Bojana River. Keep things going the next day: don't miss a visit to Old Olive Tree and then wander the streets of Ulcinj Old Town.

To find other places to visit, photos, more things to do, and tourist information, use the Ulcinj trip site.

Traveling by car from Podgorica to Ulcinj takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and taxi; or do a combination of bus and car. Expect a daytime high around 28°C in May, and nighttime lows around 16°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 25th (Thu) so you can drive to Kotor.

Perched on the edge of a fjord-like bay rimmed by rugged mountains, Kotor grew around a medieval settlement purposely built like a maze.

Visit Our Lady of the Rocks and Zmajević Palace for their historical value. Kotor Old Town City Walls & Fortress and Cats Museum are good opportunities to explore the local culture. Get out of town with these interesting Kotor side-trips: Plavi Horizonti Beach (in Radovići) and Lovćen National Park (in Cetinje). There's still lots to do: contemplate the waterfront views at Bay of Kotor, pause for some serene contemplation at Church of Blažena Ozana, step into the grandiose world of Grubonja Palace, and take in the spiritual surroundings of St. Tryphon Cathedral.

To find where to stay, other places to visit, more things to do, and tourist information, you can read our Kotor trip website.

Getting from Ulcinj to Kotor by car takes about 2 hours. Other options: take a bus. Traveling from Ulcinj in May, Kotor is little chillier at night with lows of 13°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 31st (Wed) early enough to travel back home.