Montenegro Self Drive 1 - The Grand Tour

Day 2 - enjoy your morning in Trebinje; we recommend a walk along the river to the ancient Arsalangic stone bridge. Afterwards, drive east into the mountains and cross into Montenegro, then head for Niksic; here you may like to take a small detour to visit the Ostrog Monastery. From Niksic continue north through yet another mountain pass to the small town Zabljak in the heart of the Durmitor National Park.

Days 3 & 4 - there is so much to do here so we suggest having two full days to combine some independent exploration, such as a walk around the stunning Black Lake, with perhaps some organised activities, such as rafting on the Tara river or the incredible zip-wire ride across the deep gorge at Tara Most.

Day 5 - drive east along the stunning Tara river valley, which stays within the gorge for some distance, and then continue through rural Montenegro where you will experience traditional agricultural scenery little changed in decades. You may also like to visit some of the little monasteries such as Dobrilovina and Djurdjevi Stupovi en route to the Prokletije National Park and Lake Plav.

Day 6 - relax and enjoy the stunning scenery adjoining the borders of Albania and Kosovo. Activities available include hiking in the "accursed" mountains, fishing and boating on the lake.

Day 7 - time to leave Plav and head across the scenic Tresnjevik Pass westwards on smaller roads to Kolasin and the nearby Biogradsko National Park.

Day 8 - you then have a couple of main options:

1. a full day to visit the Biogradsko Gora National Park and stay another night in Kolasin.

2. half day visit of Biogradsko National Park, head south to Podgorica and continue to Lake Skadar.

Day 9 - whichever of the options you chose above you will likely spend much of day 9 visiting Lake Skadar and then continue your journey to the coast. From Lake Skadar you could drive along the southern shore towards the Albanian border exploring the villages and wine region along the way en route to Ulcinj.

Day 10 - a full day to wander around the old town of Ulcinj and maybe visit nearby Bar.

Day 11 - a relatively short drive up the coast via Bar and a possible detour to the famous "island" of Sveti Stefan (now an exclusive luxury resort) to your next destination. Along the way you may also like to drive up to the Lovcen National Park combined with the ancient capital of Cetinje.

NB. As Budva and Kotor are quite close to each other we suggest choosing just one of them for your 2 nights stay.

Day 12 - in Kotor old town, as well as exploring the historic buildings and enjoying the atmosphere you may like to challenge yourself to climb the "Kotor Staircase" up to the fortress way above the town with stunning views across the bay.

In Budva you can explore the historic old town, relax at the beach or spend some time visiting nearby places such as Cetinje, Kotor, etc.

A full day to enjoy the stunning scenery of the Bay of Kotor, drive along the north shore via Perast and Risan or the southern shore via Prcanj and the short ferry crossing to Kamenari. Possible detours include the hidden Prevlaka Peninsula, a quieter route back over the border into Croatia. If you have time then this area of rural Croatia, Konavle, has some lovely villages and places to enjoy some wine-tasting; the small resort of Cavtat (near the airport) is also en route to Dubrovnik and an alternative place to stay. Drop off car on arrival.

A full day to explore the old town on foot, by bus and cable car including its nearby beaches and countryside; visit independently or with a choice of pre-booked excursions and activities.

Optional Guided Tour: Dubrovnik Panorama & Sightseeing "... those who seek paradise on Earth should come to Dubrovnik" (George Bernard Shaw). This tour will reveal the finest sites of the old walled City as well as give you an opportunity to view it from above. Our guide will lead you through the narrow streets of the Old Town introducing you to the history and culture of this magnificent city.

Private transfer to Dubrovnik airport for flight home.