KOTOR
A river canyon’s medieval maze
While Kotor’s history is steeped in medieval lore, its past extends all the way back to both ancient Greek and Roman civilizations. Like the age of a vintage Hollywood starlet, an exact date to the city’s origins is impossible to pinpoint, but with the 12th-14th centuries being widely accepted as the golden age of Montenegro’s development, this is probably a good starting place to fix your mind upon entering the city’s renowned gates.
Hiking through the Lovcen National Park provides a natural world that’s existed here for millennia – plus offers some epic photo-ops, all while offering you a peek into the very land where dueling kingdoms would prepare before heading off to conquer new territory for their crowned leader.
Whether you’re looking to uncover ancient hidden caves from the comfort of a boat or to spend the day taking advantage of the excess healing marine minerals while getting pampered, Kotor has just what you’re craving. When it comes to self-care, Kotor doesn’t only often treatments for your body, but for your soul – through your stomach.
Traditional recipes being passed down for generations is prevalent in the many inspired restaurants, cafes and tavernas who have both perfected the traditional while giving it a twist. For proof of just how fresh the ingredients are, take a day trip into the countryside and meet the farmers and artisans whose celebrated products are used daily throughout the city’s impressive culinary scene.
Morning Sailing — Our Lady of the Rocks
In the morning, explore Montenegro's rugged shoreline and charming coastal villages on a catamaran. Sail over to one of Kotor's greatest highlights, Our Lady of the Rocks, the tiny islet said to be built around a rock where an image of the Madonna was found in 1452 — locals pay tribute every year by bringing over a stone. With sweeping views of this historical gem, you'll sail into a secluded bay where the boat will drop anchor for you to take a dip in the Adriatic sea.
Lovcen Hills ATV Safari
Feel the thrills of driving an ATV on a one-of-a-kind adventure through Montenegro's wooded valleys and remote areas, starting at the bottom of Lovcen National Park. Drive on steep asphalt streets, take it off-road, zoom along the coast, and ride over the rugged hills on a scenic trail that reaches 1,380 feet above sea level. At the end of the ride, it will be hard to tell what took your breath away — the epic views over Kotor or the hairpin turns along the way.
Underground Hanger Wine Experience
Visiting the Šipčanik Wine Cellar is a must for any wine lover and history buff. Set in a secret Yugoslav-era underground aircraft hangar partially destroyed by a NATO bombing in 1999, the revamped hangar is now a majestic, 75,347 ft2 wine cellar operated by Plantaže where two million liters of wine are left to age. See the largest single vineyard in Europe from above before going 98 ft underground for a one-of-a-kind, expert-led wine tasting experience and divine lunch.
The Blue Cave & Fisherman's Village Experience
Kotor
-
Sustainable Tours
This tour operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria.
Zip through Boka Bay's glittering waters on a scenic speed boat ride to the striking Blue Cave. Named after the dazzling effect created by the reflection of sunlight on its sandy bottom, the Blue Cave is the largest of the sea caves hidden on the Lustica Peninsula. Check out its interior from the boat or jump in the water for a closer look before sailing to Fisherman's Village, where you'll pick a daybed at its private beach, enjoy the authentic vibes, and have lunch with delicious local wine.
Energy Level
Duration
Type
Highlights
- Hop on a speed boat and enjoy a thrilling ride along the coast from Kotor and back
- Visit the Blue Cave's 30ft high natural hall and swim in the enchanting, 40ft deep blue waters
- Indulge in freshly caught fish, seafood, and seasonal vegetables grown in local gardens at Fisherman's Village
- Enjoy Fisherman's Village's private beach and pick a lounger to call yours (at least for the rest of the day)
- Please be aware this Shore Thing is not wheelchair accessible
- This Shore Thing is not suitable for pregnant Sailors
- Sailors should know how to swim
- Lunch and adult beverages are included
- This Shore Thing is considered 'daring' and not for the faint of heart. Sailors are reminded that they assume full risk and responsibility
- Sailors should be in good physical condition to participate
- Sailors booked on Shore Things through Virgin Voyages do not need to book a tender ride
- Tender rides can add up to 30 minutes each way to the duration of a Shore Thing — please plan accordingly
- This Shore Thing operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
The Adriatica Beach Club Experience
Kotor
-
Sustainable Tours
This tour operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria.
Elevate your relaxation level to seaside-chic at the Adriatica Beach Club. Sailing along the rugged Montenegrin coast, head to one of Boka Bay's hottest spots where daybeds and loungers dotting the pebble-lined shores will be waiting. Take a dip, soak up the sun and relax to the melodious ocean sounds before a fab three-course meal is served — with a side of epic views. As for your return to Kotor, you'll go back the same way you left — on a scenic boat ride.
Energy Level
Duration
Type
Highlights
- Enjoy a scenic boat trip along the cerulean waters of Kotor Bay on your way to and from Adriatica Beach Club
- Unwind on the club's pebble-lined beach, taking in the views from your comfy sunbed
- Savor a sumptuous, three-course lunch at the club's restaurant by the sea
- Please be aware this Shore Thing is not wheelchair accessible
- A change of clothes is recommended
- Approximately 45-minutes by boat to/from Adriatica Beach Club
- Sailors prone to motion sickness should take precautions prior to this Shore Thing
- Lunch and adult beverages are included
- Sailors booked on Shore Things through Virgin Voyages do not need to book a tender ride
- Tender rides can add up to 30 minutes each way to the duration of a Shore Thing — please plan accordingly
- This Shore Thing operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
Hiking Kotor's Ancient City Walls
Kotor
-
Sustainable Tours
This tour operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria.
Perfect for active and history buffs alike, this guided hike along Kotor's medieval stone walls goes all the way up to St. John's Fortress, reaching over 918 feet above sea level. From high up, you'll get unparalleled views of Kotor's Old Town, the 3.1 miles of stone walls built around it over the centuries, and the glittering waters of Boka Bay begging for a pic. So grab your most comfortable hiking shoes, and start walkin'.
Energy Level
Duration
Type
Highlights
- Reach St. John's Fortress, the trail's highest point, and get rewarded with a fantastic view over Kotor and Boka Bay
- Grasp the magnitude of Kotor's stone walls by seeing them from an elevated perspective
- Hike 3.1 miles along Kotor's ancient city walls built by the Venetians from 1420 through the middle of the 18th-century
- This Shore Thing is strenuous as it includes over 1350 steps each way
- Closed-toed shoes are required
- Sailors must wear suitable clothing and footwear for this activity (hiking, biking, trekking, rappelling, ziplining, yoga, etc.)
- Sailors should expect long periods of walking
- Sailors should be in good physical condition to participate
- This Shore Thing is not suitable for pregnant Sailors
- This Shore Thing is strenuous as it includes hiking
- Please be aware this Shore Thing is not wheelchair accessible
- Tender rides can add up to 30 minutes each way to the duration of a Shore Thing — please plan accordingly
- Sailors booked on Shore Things through Virgin Voyages do not need to book a tender ride
- This Shore Thing operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
Montenegro by Land & Boat
Kotor
-
Sustainable Tours
This tour operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria.
Take a ride over to Montenegro's port where your boat awaits. Here you'll see Boka Bay's rugged shoreline on a scenic ride to Our Lady of the Rocks islet. Built around a rock where an image of the Madonna was found in 1452, the islet has a Baroque-style church that includes paintings by Kotor's famed artist Tripo Kokolja. Afterward, you'll sail to the seaside town of Perast for a guided tour, before enjoying free time to uncover this medieval city on your own.
Energy Level
Duration
Type
Highlights
- From Porto Montenegro, you'll board a boat and sail Boka Bay's gorgeous coast
- Visit the legendary church, Our Lady of the Rocks, on a tiny islet shrouded in myths and centuries of folklore
- The Baroque church features varied works by Tripo Kokolja (the 33ft long The Death of the Virgin), Lovro Dobricevic, and several Italian artists
- Enjoy a guided walking tour (plus a refreshment) in Perast, followed by free time to explore one of Europe's newest naval hubs
- Approximately a 30-minute drive to/from where you'll board the boat and the ship's terminal
- Sailors must be able to step in and out of a boat; several steps are required
- Sailors prone to motion sickness should take precautions prior to this Shore Thing
- Sailors should expect to walk uphill and/or over uneven pavement
- Sailors must be able to navigate steps throughout this Shore Thing
- Please be aware this Shore Thing is not wheelchair accessible
- Tender rides can add up to 30 minutes each way to the duration of a Shore Thing — please plan accordingly
- Sailors booked on Shore Things through Virgin Voyages do not need to book a tender ride
- This Shore Thing operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
The natives have some height
Men average 6 ft/1.82 m and women are 5’7 ft/1.7 m — 2nd tallest on earth.
Shore Excursions
Stray (far off) the course
Travel to a small village where you'll reach a 200-year-old, family-owned olive and grain grinding mill turned into a world-class establishment for the ultimate Montenegrin heritage experience in the Town of Perast & Ćatovića Mlini.
DISCOVER MORE SHORE THINGSWhen traveling through Kotor, getting lost is a welcome part of the territory. A small, unpretentious city, Kotor allows for exciting adventures without fear of wandering too far off the beaten path.
Cobblestone streets, limestone clock towers, illustrious cathedrals and a fortress built to keep out invaders check off all the boxes that qualify this unexampled city as one of the middle ages – these, of course, are just part of Kotor’s timeless charm. The intentional labyrinth of hidden alleys, random twists and seemingly out-of-place turns were designed to confuse invaders who breached the city walls – but now provide an unsuspectingly beautiful setting for the modern traveler. Sailors can ascend the 1,350 steps of San Giovanni’s spectacular castle to breathtaking panoramic views, regardless of a sunny or overcast day. The tangerine terra cotta shingles sprinkling the rooftops of Boka Bay’s citadel effortlessly contrast the deep green of the surrounding Dinaric Alps, while the Adriatic Sea’s hues of sapphire and emerald dance in the background.
Spend the day discovering Kotor’s old town on your own or with a guide who can show you secret spots only a local would know. Enjoy the sights beyond the fortress walls, or sit at a cafe with a cocktail and a bowl of pasta that was made just moments prior. Regardless of the journey you choose – Kotor’s echoes of the past combine with an evolving, contemporary scene that encourages visitors to get lost – in order to possibly find just what they’re missing.
