A Day in Montenegro: My Lovćen National Park Tour That Had It All

The more time I spend exploring Montenegro, the more it amazes me. This country may be small, but it packs in a mind-blowing amount of diversity - rugged mountains, historic towns, quiet villages, epic viewpoints, and rivers that feel like they're from a movie set.

Even though I’ve done plenty of traveling on my own here, I decided to see what it’s like to join a guided full-day tour to Lovćen National Park - no planning, no driving, just soaking it all in.

Let me tell you: it was absolutely worth it.

👉 Want to see Montenegro’s highlights in a single, stress-free day? Check out the tour here*

Stop 1: Njeguši - Breakfast in the Mountains

We kicked off the day from Kotor, winding our way up the famous serpentine mountain road with jaw-dropping views over the Bay. It wasn’t even 9 AM and I was already reaching for my camera.

Our first official stop was Njeguši, a small mountain village tucked away in the Lovćen range. It's the kind of place that smells like woodsmoke, with stone houses, tiny streets, and old-world charm.

Here, you have the option to add breakfast for about €9, and I highly recommend it. Local cheese, Njeguši smoked ham (Montenegro’s pride), fresh bread, olives, and a strong black coffee. It wasn’t just tasty – it felt like the right way to start the day.

👉 Hungry for an authentic start to your Montenegro adventure? Book the full tour here*

Stop 2: Lovćen National Park & Njegoš Mausoleum - Montenegro from Above

Next up: Lovćen National Park. The landscape here is wild and dramatic - rocky peaks, pine forests, and pure silence. And then there’s the crown jewel: the Njegoš Mausoleum, perched atop Jezerski vrh at 1,657 meters (1812 yd).

We climbed the 461 steps to the top, and what waited for us there was unforgettable. A sweeping 360-degree view across Montenegro. On a clear day, you can see the Bay of Kotor, Lake Skadar, the Adriatic Sea, even into Croatia and Albania.

The entry fee for the park and mausoleum is around €11, paid at the start of the tour. Honestly? Totally worth it for one of the most epic views I’ve ever seen.

Stop 3: Cetinje – Montenegro’s Royal Soul

After the high-altitude adventure, we headed down to Cetinje, Montenegro’s old royal capital. It’s small, peaceful, and packed with history.

We explored royal palaces, Orthodox monasteries, and elegant embassy buildings from the 19th century. Even if you’re not a history buff, Cetinje has this quiet dignity that’s impossible to ignore. It feels like a city that still remembers its crown.

Stop 4: Crnojević River – Boat Rides & Slow Moments

Then came the most peaceful part of the day: a boat ride on the Crnojević River. I honestly didn’t expect this to blow me away as much as it did.

Picture calm water, floating lily pads, green hills all around, and absolute silence except for birds. It felt like slipping into another world - peaceful, untouched, serene.

Best part? The boat ride is included in the tour price.

There’s also an option to grab lunch by the river (about €15). I ordered local freshwater fish and sat under the trees by the water. Time felt like it stopped.

👉 Just for this river moment alone, I’d book again: See more & reserve your spot

Stop 5: Sveti Stefan – The Famous View

Our final stop before heading back was an epic photo viewpoint overlooking Sveti Stefan - that tiny island-turned-luxury resort you’ve probably seen on Instagram or postcards.

You can’t go onto the island unless you’re staying at the hotel, but honestly, the best view is from above anyway. Especially in the late afternoon light - golden sea, terracotta rooftops, and this unreal feeling like you're looking at a painting.

I put my phone away for a minute and just… took it in.

What’s Included (and What’s Not)

✅ Included:

• Transport (minibus or van)

• Knowledgeable, local guide

• Boat ride on the Crnojević River

➕ Optional but recommended:

• Njeguši breakfast (~€9)

• Lunch by the river (~€15)

• Lovćen NP + Mausoleum entrance (~€11)

• Skadar Lake NP fee (~€5)

• Cable car from Kotor (optional, ~€13, weather-dependent)

💡 Plan for around €30–35 in extra costs depending on what you choose – 100% worth it.

Final Thoughts: One Day, All the Best of Montenegro

By the time we got back to Kotor in the evening, I was tired - but in that really good, fulfilled way. I felt like I’d seen the soul of Montenegro - from mountains to rivers to royal cities - all in one incredible day.

This tour isn’t just a shortcut. It’s a beautifully curated journey through what makes this country so unforgettable. Whether it’s your first day in Montenegro or your fifth - do this tour. You’ll come back with stories, memories, and probably way too many photos.

👉 Ready to see it for yourself? Reserve your spot here*

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