Magical Mountains of Montenegro

Dobar dan iz Montenegro !

Where do I start trying to explain the experience of Montenegro ?

This small eastern European country is just celebrating its 10th anniversary as an independent nation on May 21st, 2016.

It is the youngest country in Europe and one of the least expensive.

We flew into Podgorico, the current capital of the country and were met by “Hugh”, a real character with who has

“all the connections”.

He originally hails from England, but has spent years living around the world, looking for “quality of life”, including many years in Kenya, and the past 10 years in Montenegro.

He drove us down the Mediterranean coast, where you can see development exploding on the beach in Budva. We spent a night in the historical port town of Tivat.

Then Jessica & I traversed the coastal mountains and didn’t see a soul other than these herds of shaggy mountain goats watching us pass and then continued down to the historical city of Kotor, a UNESCO world heritage site, located in the southernmost fjord in the world.

We stayed in a quaint little place inside the old walled town with cobblestone streets and tiny lanes and alleyways, filled with restaurants, patios, shopping for everything you could think of.

Cruise ships from all the major cruiselines arrive every day, so if you are thinking of a Mediterranean cruise, make sure to get one that stops in Kotor, named as the # 1 City to Visit by Lonely Planet # 1 City to Visit in 2016.

We visited the legendary island Our Lady of the Rocks that has a unique history and is the shape of a boat off the coast from Perast, a quaint village with wonderful cafe’s and restaurants in the same fjord.

Then we travelled inland through valleys and at the top of a mountain we saw a sign for ziplining – Jessica had seen several broken cables along the valley floor and the Danger sign & opted out, and the guy running it had a broken leg… but I decided I had to give it a try – one of those things about “conquering fears” and going out of your comfort zone!

Whether your fear is of talking to a prospect or jumping on a zip line ~ it is terrifying before you try it, but the sense of accomplishment after overcoming a fear is incomparable!

Click here to Watch the Zipline Video

We arrived at our B&B in Njegusi, where the family makes their own naturally smoked prosciutto, cheeses, wines and raki, right on the premises ~ no preservatives or chemicals !

We spent Mothers Day together and we ended up trying too much of everything they made that night ~ the food, the wine, and I am NEVER drinking raki again !

We then headed up to Lovcen National Park and stayed at a charming 4 Star boutique hotel operated by the government inside the park.

The service was incredible – 25 employees for 7 rooms , with delicious 4 course meals.

On the top of the second highest mountain in the country is the magnificent Mausoleum, the tomb of Montenegro’s greatest hero, Petar Njegos, boasting spectacular 360 degree views of 75% of the country on a clear day.

From there we headed down to the Old Royal Capital of Cetinje, a city just oozing with culture – from the palaces, museums and former embassies to the individual stone buildings and way of life.

If you are looking to do something different in Europe and explore a new Old City Montenegro country, try the food, absorb the culture and meet the people ~ I would highly recommend Montenegro !

You can stop in Kotor on a cruise ship, or connect with Hugh, owner of Vista Trails who can customize any trip for you.