Sights of Montenegro
An interesting excursion program has been prepared for the services of vacationers. The main excursions that introduce the main sights of the country:
Tour “Mini-Montenegro” (sightseeing tour of Montenegro): a panoramic view of the Budva Riviera, Cetinje, Mount Lovcen, the village of Negushi. This is a full day excursion, the approximate cost is 30 EUR.
According to Aparentingblog, an excursion to the Bay of Kotor includes a visit to the bay itself – the only fjord in southern Europe, which wedged into the land for 32 km, the ancient city of Kotor, the islands of St. Gospa and Shkrpel. Excursion for the whole day, the approximate cost is 25 EUR.
Skadar lake – the largest lake-reserve (and also a national park) in the Balkans, where about 40 species of fish and 270 species of birds are found, the only place in Europe where pelicans live. Excursion for the whole day, the approximate cost is 40 EUR.
The miraculous Orthodox monastery Ostrog is located near Danilovgrad. Carved into a rock high in the mountains (950 m above sea level), it is a unique holy place where the relics of St. Vasily Ostrozhsky. This Orthodox monastery is the only one in the world that, apart from the Orthodox, is also visited by Catholics and Muslims. An excursion here for half a day will cost about 20 EUR.
“Two Canyons” door Tara and Moraca. The canyon of the Tara River is the deepest in Europe, is a nature reserve and, together with Mount Durmitor, is included in the UNESCO list. The tour also includes a visit to the Moraca Canyon, the Moraca Monastery and the Djurdjevic Tara Bridge, the highest road bridge in Europe. Excursion for the whole day, the approximate cost is 30 EUR.
Excursion to Dubrovnik for the whole day, the approximate cost is 45 EUR.
Mount Durmitor – full day excursion, approximate cost 35 EUR.
Rafting on the rivers (for the whole day), the approximate cost is 75 EUR.
Montenegro: Money and currency of Montenegro
The official currency is the Euro (EUR), which has been in official circulation since January 1, 2002.
Banks are open from 8:00 to 20:00 on weekdays. Break from 13:00 to 17:00. Credit cards are limited. Major payment credit cards (VISA, MASTER) are not accepted in the country; only DYNERS cards are accepted for payment.
Montenegro: Useful tips
The price level in the country is quite low, but varies markedly in different areas. In the coastal regions of Montenegro, everything is about 25% more expensive, in Kosovo and Vojvodina – somewhat cheaper than in the whole country. At the same time, due to the difference in the exchange rate of the dinar and the euro adopted in Montenegro (although the dinar is also equated to the euro), the price difference can be even more significant.
Tipping in restaurants and taxis is generally 10% of the bill.
Most of the country’s inhabitants are heavy smokers. Even in public transport and in public places you can always meet smokers.
Photography is allowed only in places where there is no prohibition sign (crossed out camera). It is forbidden to photograph transport infrastructure and energy facilities, port facilities and military installations.
On the street, the police strictly suppress any manifestations of deception of foreign tourists, but at the household level, there are frequent cases of petty fraud or supposedly a sudden language barrier, so you should be especially careful when discussing financial issues and never give money in advance, before the service is rendered.
There is an intra-republican border between Serbia and Montenegro, on which, regardless of the direction of crossing it, you can also be subjected to vehicle searches and document checks (border guards have the right to do this), as well as to face the requirement to purchase “national” insurance for the vehicle (clear violation law – the “green card” is unified throughout the country).
Old hotels are being reconstructed at a fast pace, a large number of medium-level private villas are being built (around 4 *), the expensive segment is represented by only a few hotels and a dozen private villas. Economical accommodation is also possible – basically these are the same private villas a little further from the sea, not equipped with “author’s” furniture and have not yet fallen under the reconstruction of a class “B” hotel.
Most hotels cannot boast of vast territory, luxurious rooms or a wide range of services and entertainment: lovers of huge five-star complexes in Turkey or Egypt will not find anything similar here.
In restaurants and cafes, you won’t have to wait long for your order or bill, students and student waiters are well aware that the summer season is short, and they do everything at a run. But there is practically no room service. In general, the level of service is lower than in Europe: the country has been in isolation for a long time, and the tourism industry in it is still in its infancy. In addition, most Montenegrins can hardly be called workaholics.
As souvenirs from Montenegro, you can bring T-shirts with resort symbols, plates, crafts made from shells, etc. However, many conscious tourists prefer local alcoholic drinks to this rubbish: wine and 45 “vine” or “Krunak”.
With souvenirs in the country there is “stress”, the whole choice is national hats (quite expensive and purely decorative), T-shirts with a map of the country and the inscription Montenegro, bottles and plates.
Montenegro: Cuisine of Montenegro
Local cuisine is divided into three types: local dishes, fish and Italian. Portions are huge. Despite the proximity of the Adriatic Sea, fish in Montenegro is quite expensive.
Local cuisine – dishes mainly from pork or beef.
Local wines, although not well known in international markets, deserve attention. The hallmark of local winemaking is the tart Montenegrin “Vranac” (Vranac), which has dozens of varieties. Of the local white wines, Krstach, Chardonnay and Sauvignon are popular with our tourists. The highest quality strong drink is Krunak (grape vodka).
In a number of cities, especially in areas bordering Croatia, there is a shortage of water. Tap water is usually chlorinated, but due to damage from NATO air strikes and the general deterioration of networks, drinking tap water is not recommended. For drinking, it is better to use mineral or bottled water. Milk is pasteurized, all dairy products are also considered safe for consumption.
Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruits and vegetables, even home-made, are considered absolutely safe for health.