As my wife and I embarked on a unique adventure, it was a tale of two cities, or rather, two countries. I flew in from Dublin, she jetted over from Amsterdam, and our rendezvous point was Montenegro, a land of beauty, intrigue, and cats aplenty.
Day 1: A Remote Work Oasis in Airbnb
Our Airbnb, a cozy nest, was our remote work oasis for the first two days. With our laptops set up and a sea and mountain view that could inspire anyone, we put in our work hours, and then the real Montenegro adventure began.
Day 3: Lovcen National Park – Where Eagles Soar
Our first day of exploration we decided to drive up the mountains to Lovcen National Park and visit the Mausoleum of Petar II Petrovic-Njegos. Amongst the majestic mountains, we felt as free as the eagles gliding above. The views from the Mausoleum of Njegoš were awe-inspiring.
The Montenegro Drive: Clouds, Mountains, and Awe-Inspiring Views
Our journey back from Lovcen National Park was a mesmerizing adventure through the mountains. We chose the route via Kotor, and what we saw was nothing short of spectacular.
Kotor Unveiling Itself
As we wound our way down the mountain, Kotor gradually revealed itself, nestled snugly between the valley. Cruise ships stood tall at the port, a contrast to the charming town below. It was like a postcard scene brought to life.
Tivat on the Horizon
Not too far away, at a distance, we caught a glimpse of Tivat. It felt like a whole new world, and we were simply in awe of the landscapes that Montenegro had to offer.
Above the Clouds
Driving in the mountains had its surprises. The clouds danced below us, as if we were floating in the sky. And then, like a magic show, they cleared, and there it was – Kotor, the city in the valley, shimmering in all its glory.
Montenegro’s natural beauty left us speechless, and this moment, when the clouds parted and unveiled the city below, was one of those travel memories that would stay with us forever.
Day 4: Budva – A Stroll Through History and a Pint of Guinness
Our day in Budva was all about soaking in the charm of its Old Town. As we meandered through narrow cobblestone streets, quaint squares, and centuries-old buildings, history seemed to come to life around us.
But then, something caught our eye – an Irish pub tucked away in the heart of Budva. As we stood there, the allure of that iconic brew, Guinness, drew us in. It was a moment of delightful spontaneity.
So, there we were, sipping pints of Guinness in a picturesque Old Town in Budva, feeling like we’d found a piece of Ireland in the heart of Montenegro. It was a travel experience that beautifully blurred the lines between cultures and reminded us that sometimes, the best adventures happen when you least expect them. Sláinte! 🍻
Day 5: Kotor – A Hidden Gem
Keeping it Real in Kotor and the Blue Cave
So, here’s the deal – Montenegro was a blast, but Nature had some surprises up her sleeve.
Kotor – No Fortress Climbing, Thanks Weather!
Kotor’s Old Town was awesome, but the weather? Not so much. The fortress hike was on our list, but the rain was like, “Nah, not today, folks.” So, we settled for more Kotor Old Town wandering instead.
Blue Cave Boat Tour – Stormy Dilemma
We were all hyped up for the Blue Cave boat tour, but guess what? Stormy conditions had other plans. Safety first, right? So, that one got shelved. Sometimes, you’ve just got to roll with the punches.
Montenegro was a mix of incredible highs and a couple of “oh well” moments, but that’s the real deal of travel, isn’t it? It’s all part of the adventure!
Day 6: Tivat – Yachts and More
Tivat’s glamorous marina and Porto Montenegro were a sight to behold. We couldn’t help but dream of owning one of those yachts. A taste of the high life!
Day 7: Durmitor – A Highland Adventure
Durmitor National Park was a highlight. Hiking amidst pristine lakes and snow-capped peaks was a dream come true. We couldn’t resist the temptation to jump into Black Lake.
Day 8: Tara Canyon – Ziplining and Rafting
Thrill-seekers at heart, we ziplined over the Tara River Canyon and rafted through its pristine waters. It was an adrenaline rush in the midst of Montenegro’s natural splendor.
Day 9: Sveti Stefan – Seaside Serenity
Sveti Stefan, a tiny island village, was our haven of seaside serenity. We sunbathed, swam, and felt like royalty on this exclusive island.
Day 10: Herceg Novi – A Final Flare
Herceg Novi, our last stop, was a sun-kissed finale to our Montenegro journey. The Old Town and its beautiful promenade left us with cherished memories.
Noteworthy Tips for Travelers
- Carry Cash: ATM withdrawals can be costly, so ensure you have enough cash on hand.
- Beer is Cheap: Beer lovers rejoice! Montenegro offers a taste of the good life at a fraction of the cost.
- Cats Galore: Montenegro is a cat lover’s paradise. These feline friends are everywhere and add to the country’s charm.
Our Montenegro adventure was a tale of love, remote work, and exploration. As we left this hidden gem in the heart of the Balkans, our hearts were full, our spirits high, and our desire to return already planted. Montenegro, you’ve captured our souls.
