Budva to Kotor

Before leaving Budva, pay a visit to the stunning Old Town and enjoy your last look at the open sea before you make your way North! While Budva has more recently become known for it's eclectic nightlife and party atmosphere, the history of the town dates back millennia and is an important part of the rich and tumultuous history of one of the Adriatic coast.
Pulling tourists from all corners of the world, Budva's old town has withstood several large earthquakes and contains the memories of Ottoman, Spanish and Venetian rule, with much of the standing architecture the result of efforts by the latter to fortify the citadel against further invasion.
The centuries-old stone and burnt orange, terracotta roofing conjures up images of the homes in Italy that the conquering Venetians built during their time of rule!

Just outside the city, your next stop is one of many fortifications found throughout Montenegro, built to defend the coast against raids and invasion!
Standing above Budva, the Jaz battery was built in 1860 by the Austro-Hungarian rulers, allowing the Empire to take control of all possible approaches to the city.
It was a formidable fortification that stood, not only as a physical barrier to the town but as a powerful mental deterrent to those with plans to take the city.
From the fortification, you have a fantastic view of the town and coastline!
The fort saw action during the first and second world wars where it was used as an ammunition and weapons warehouse.

Time now to head north into Lovcen National Park where you will make your way to the very top of Lovcen Mountain to the Mausoleum of Petar II!
One of my personal favourite places in the country, this impressive building stands atop Mt.Lovcen and, on a clear day, offers unrivaled views across Montenegro!
The mausoleum was built to house the body of Petar II, who, in his teenage years, found himself at the head of a fledgling country, populated by warring tribes and surrounded by some of the most powerful Empires of the time! Through his dogged determination and unparalleled courage, he unified the tribes of Montenegro and successfully defended this new nation against invaders!
He is heralded as one of the country's greatest national heroes and at almost 1700m, his burial place holds the title of the world's highest mausoleum - a fitting tribute for one of Montenegro's favourite sons!
While it is possible to drive most of the way, in order to reach the mausoleum itself must climb the 461 steps to the top! The climb usually takes no more than 15-20 minutes and is well worth the view at the top!

It's time now to make your way to the ancient city of Kotor, but before you step through the gates into the old town, take moment to stop and appreciate the best view of Kotor, and arguably one of the very best views in the country!
During our time in Montenegro, this has become one of my wife and I's favourite places to stop for a while and simply sit and enjoy the majesty of Boka Bay!
One described by Lord Byron as "The most beautiful encounter between land and sea" The Montenegrin coast lives up to it's title, and no where is this more apparent than in Boka Bay!
From your vantage point, you have a clear view across the whole bay and out to sea! From my own experience, I have found it to be one of the most humbling views I have ever seen, a reminder of just how spectacular the offerings of the natural world can be!

Once you arrive in Kotor, park your car!
You are able to leave your car here overnight as you will be staying within the Old Town from now on!

Make your way into Kotor's 2,000-year-old, ancient city!
Another of my favourite destinations for a weekend or day trip, Kotor old town is one of the best-preserved examples of ancient architecture anywhere in the world, with the original settlement dating back as far as ancient Rome!
As you pass under the gate and enter the town, you are taking back to another time! The labyrinth of narrow, cobbled streets surrounded on all sides by tall, overhanging, stone buildings serve to shut out the rest of the world and time seems to have no meaning as you wander through millennia of history! As you turn a corner you may suddenly find yourself standing in one of the beautiful squares, surrounded by the bustle of the residents, the sounds of chat and laughter from the many restaurants and cafes and the ring of the bells from the Katedrala Svetog Tripuna!
There is nowhere in the world quite like Kotor!

Time to grab a late lunch at my favourite pizzeria!
My first recommended stop within the old town is Pronto! Considered to be the best pizzeria in Kotor, Pronto offers dine in or, as I like to do, you can grab a slice and continue your journey through the maze of ancient streets!
I also highly recommend the calzones!

No trip to Kotor would be complete without a journey up the Ladder of Kotor!
While the entirety of the legendary hiking trail will take between 6 and 9 hours, you will be walking the stretch that takes you up the Kotor City Walls to Sveti Ivan, the Fortress of St. John!
You can access the start of the walk from the entrance near the Northern Gate and St. Mary's Church where you will have to pay an entry fee.
The walk itself is not the easiest and in the summer months it can get very hot, so sun-cream and plenty of water is an absolute must.
If you can bear the heat and the difficult walk you will be rewarded with an unbelievably beautiful view of the town and bay below!

Head back into town and grab a well earned drink at one of my favourite pubs in town, Old Town Kotor!
With indoor and outdoor seating available and a great menu of local beers and cocktails, Old Town Kotor is the perfect place to rest your legs and wind down before dinner!

Time for Dinner, and when in Kotor, you'd be hard pressed to find a nicer environment than Konoba Trpeza!
Found in the heart of the old town, Trpeza offers a mouthwatering selection of seafood and classic Mediterranean dishes in a warm, inviting atmosphere!
Check out their website here for information on the location and menu!
If you're traveling as a couple, I recommend the Seafood Special for a mix of mussels, fish, clams, shrimp, squid and risotto!