Curator’s statement
This journey through Montenegro, Croatia, Slovenia, and Italy was special because it combined spectacular scenery with destinations that still feel authentic and undiscovered. Montenegro challenged us to slow down, be flexible, and appreciate a country that is developing its tourism industry while preserving its local character and history. From the medieval streets of Kotor and Dubrovnik to the lakes and mountains of Slovenia, each stop offered a different perspective on life, culture, and travel. Most of all, the trip served as a reminder of how fortunate we are to explore the world and experience both its beauty and imperfections.
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Days 1-2: Podgorica & Cetinje, Montenegro
Beautiful Cetinje
Podgorica is not a major tourist destination, but it provides an interesting introduction to Montenegro. During our visit, the city hosted a free weekend concert and historical reenactments featuring actors in traditional dress. Guides explained Montenegro's history and visitors could take photos with historical characters.
Transportation can feel chaotic. Official taxi systems are not always straightforward, and many independent drivers operate outside the normal meter system. Patience and flexibility are helpful.
Transfer to Cetinje. Take a taxi to Cetinje, Montenegro's historic royal capital.
Cetinje provides a much deeper understanding of Montenegro than Podgorica and deserves at least one night.
Days 3-4: Kotor, Montenegro
Kotor
Bus from Cetinje to Kotor via Budva. The scenery is spectacular as the road descends toward the Bay of Kotor. Expect traffic congestion entering Kotor, particularly during cruise ship season.
Kotor is stunning but crowded. During the day, cruise ship passengers fill the narrow streets, creating a busy atmosphere. Prices are significantly higher than inland Montenegro.
Lunch for two: €35–€50. Visit early in the morning or after cruise ships depart for the most enjoyable experience.
Days 5-6 : Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik
Bus or ferry along the Adriatic Coast from Montenegro to Dubrovnik. Stay inside or near the Old Town walls.
Spend at least two nights to experience the city before and after the day-tripper crowds arrive. It can be crowded. I enjoyed getting up early to climb the wall and wandering the town before anyone else is up.
Days 7-8: Split & Zagreb, Croatia
Ferry from Dubrovnik to Split. Split makes an excellent overnight stop and offers a more relaxed atmosphere than Dubrovnik while still providing historic architecture and waterfront dining.
The next day, take a train or bus from Split to Zagreb. Skip the Zagreb Card unless you plan to visit numerous museums. Purchasing museum tickets individually is often better value.
The free walking tours were among the highlights of our stay and provided excellent historical context.
Days 9-10: Ljubljana, Lake Bled & Lake Bohinj, Slovenia
Lake Bled
Base yourself in Ljubljana or Lake Bled. Slovenia is compact, making day trips easy. Ljubljana is clean, compact, and easy to explore on foot.
Lake Bled highlights:
Bicycle exploration of surrounding villages
Rent bicycles and allow a full day to explore beyond the lake itself.
Lake Bohinj is a quieter alternative to Lake Bled.
Need to know
Travel insight and tips:
Stay at least two nights in most destinations. One-night stays often feel rushed and leave little time to enjoy a place beyond checking in, finding dinner, and preparing to leave the next morning.
Montenegro rewards patient travelers. The country offers incredible scenery, rich history, and lower prices than much of Western Europe, but transportation, information, and tourism services can be inconsistent. Flexibility goes a long way.
Expect significant differences in pricing. Inland Montenegro is generally affordable, while Kotor and Dubrovnik command premium prices due to cruise tourism and international demand.
Use public transportation when practical. Buses throughout the region are inexpensive, reliable, and often provide some of the most scenic views of the trip. Ferries along the Croatian coast are also enjoyable and efficient.
Traffic can be a major factor. Roads into Kotor, Dubrovnik, and other coastal destinations can become heavily congested, even during shoulder season. Allow extra travel time.
Take free walking tours. The Zagreb walking tour was one of the best values of the trip, providing local history, cultural context, and orientation to the city. Similar tours are worthwhile throughout the region.
Research restaurants independently. Hotel recommendations can be hit-or-miss. Online reviews and local research often lead to better dining experiences than simply relying on front desk suggestions.
English proficiency varies. In Croatia and Slovenia, communication is generally easy. In Montenegro, English is less common, especially outside major tourist areas, so patience and a sense of humor help.
Pack comfortable walking shoes. Historic towns such as Kotor, Dubrovnik, Ljubljana, and Zagreb are best explored on foot, often over uneven stone streets and stairways
Slovenia is ideal for active travelers. Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj are perfect for cycling, hiking, boating, and enjoying the outdoors, making them a relaxing contrast to the busy Adriatic coast.
Travel with realistic expectations. Not every destination will have Western European levels of service, infrastructure, or convenience. Some of the most memorable experiences come from places that require a little extra effort.
Remember why you travel. The most rewarding moments often come from unexpected conversations, local discoveries, beautiful scenery, and gaining a deeper appreciation for different ways of life. Sometimes the imperfections become the stories you remember most.
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Nancy Pappas
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