Rugged Adriatic Coast, ancient port cities and the sheltered waters of the Bay of Kotor make Montenegro a dreamy place for an eight-day sailing adventure.
Rugged Adriatic Coast, ancient port cities and the sheltered waters of the Bay of Kotor make Montenegro a dreamy place for an eight-day sailing adventure. While neighbouring Croatia has long been a marine travel hotspot, Montenegro remains something of a hidden sailing gem. Spend several days exploring both the popular and the seldom-seen treasures of the Bay of Kotor and the Montenegro Coast. You’ll be lounging in a striped beach chair one day and tucking into fish chorba at a tiny local restaurant in a seaside village the next. This warm weather sailing tour is the ideal way to explore this Balkan beauty.
Dobro Dosli! Welcome to Dubrovnik in Croatia. If you arrive early, it’s recommended that you explore this medieval walled city on foot, take a Game of Thrones walking tour or find a seaside or alleyway restaurant and try some local favourites. For the start of your sailing trip, you’ll leave the city for quiet waters and attend a welcome meeting at 3 pm. Your skipper will collect the group kitty at this time, and as a group, you’ll head to a local supermarket for the week’s onboard meals. After, embark and start sailing to Sipan – the largest island in the Elaphiti Islands northwest of Dubrovnik. With a long history of stories and legends, this island is one of the jewels of the archipelago. When you arrive. Maybe head out to dinner with your group at one of the beautiful restaurants on the island before spending your first night at sea.
This morning after breakfast and maybe a quick dip in the ocean, you’ll continue to Herceg Novi. Pass through customs, stopping for a swim along the way in one of many inviting bays and arrive in the late afternoon. Founded in 1382, Herceg Novi is your historic entry point to the Bay of Kotor and a fabulous city in its own right. With an evening spent at the port, you’ll have time to explore the tree-lined squares of the city at your leisure this evening. Maybe head to a local restaurant with your group and enjoy a night of gorgeous views.
This morning after breakfast (and sunrise, if you’re keen), you’ll head to Budva. You’ll stop for a swim along the way, maybe at Uvala Dobrec, depending on the weather – a secluded cove with a pebble beach and pristine waters. Arrive in Budva – home to sandy beaches, a walled city, old monasteries and lively nightlife. The time spent here will depend on the group’s desire to let loose (this is a self-proclaimed party town). Don’t worry, if you prefer the sun and the sand over the sound of bass, Budva is also home to lovely, sheltered beaches like Mogren, Kamenovo and Jaz. Your skipper will recommend the best local spots to eat for dinner, but you’re free to spend the evening how you wish.
Enjoy breakfast on the boat this morning and then head to Rose – a historic fishing village with a quieter pace. Stop for a swim along the way and then enjoy a free evening exploring the town or sit back and relax with a good book on the beach. Don’t miss sunrise tonight – whether from the sea or the deck, this part of the world is home to some pretty epic nightly displays.
This morning, you’ll sail to Tivat – a coastal town in Montenegro in the Bay of Kotor, surrounded by glittering waters and mountain peaks. Stop for a refreshing ocean swim and then explore the town at your own pace. Tonight, you have the opportunity to sit down with a local family in their home and enjoy some incredible hospitality. If you choose to include this optional dinner, you’ll enjoy a 3-course meal of local favourites with unlimited wine and homemade grappa. All the food served has been homemade and homegrown on the property – a night to remember!
Sail towards Kotor this morning, passing the islet of Gospa od Skrpjela (Our Lady of the Rocks). As the legend goes, sailors would place a rock in the bay after every successful voyage, and over five hundred years, a tiny island was created. If you happen to have a rock handy, you can also become a part of this tradition! Docking in Kotor, one of the best-preserved medieval cities in southeastern Europe, and exploring its winding streets can feel like travelling back in time. Maybe hike along the ancient, steep fortress walls to the Castle of San Giovanni, a stunning medieval structure from which you can get sweeping views of the Old Town. Depending on your fitness level and the sureness of your footing, the hike can take between 3 to 5 hours, so it’s a good idea to set off early if you plan to tackle the climb. Or maybe opt for a full-day tour of Lovcen Mountain, Njegos Mausoleum and Cetinje. This optional tour includes a prosciutto tasting (yum!) and is a super fun way to spend the day.
This morning, you’ll sail to Zelenika, Montenegro to the customs checkpoint. If there is time, stop for a refreshing dip in the sea before continuing to Dubrovnik and docking in the marina. Perhaps head out into Dubrovnik for your final night with the group – buses depart regularly from the marina and your trip leader can help with coordination. Or stay close by enjoying dinner and drinks at the lovely marina and saying farewell to your group on your last night.
There are no activities planned for today, so you can leave any time before 10 am. If you wish to spend more time here, just speak to your booking agent.
Transport
Yacht , dinghy
Accommodation
Overnight boat (7 nights)
Included Activities
As most of this trip takes place on a sailing boat, you’ll need to feel comfortable with moving about the vessel, including using stairs. If you are prone to seasickness, you may want to bring some sea sickness tablets from home. A Zodiac is used to transport passengers from the boat to the mainland, when the yacht can’t be moored. Zodiacs can sometimes be awkward to climb in and out of, but a sense of humour and a can-do attitude is all you need. This is an adventure on board a real yacht, which means living spaces, cabins, bathrooms and showers need to be shared with other passengers. Sleeping quarters can be relatively compact, but you will spend most of your time on the deck, in the water or exploring on land. Please note that smooth sailing is dependent on the weather, so itinerary changes may occur at the last minute if the weather becomes unfavourable. If any changes are made, you can trust in your knowledgeable skipper to choose an alternative route or activity.
Departing
Finishing
NZD 3,519.00
/Person
