The tour takes us from Herceg-Novi through the small settlements of
Kumbor, Djenovici and Bjela and across Boka Bay by ferry. Our first brief
stop will be at Sveti Stefan, a bustling town with villas and apartments
offering breathtaking views of the horizon across the sea as well as relics
from the area’s original inhabitants. We will continue climbing the
mountains toward Cetinje and the Monastery of Cetinje, dating back to
1701. The Turks destroyed the monastery several times, but the locals
rebuilt it each time. We will see relics of St. Petar Cetinjski, one of the
most glorious personalities in the history of Montenegro.
The drive will next pass Podgorica and the green fields of Bjelopavlici
Valley. We will soon reach Niksic and the Monastery of Ostrog, perched
high above the Bjelopavic plain. Carved in stone, the monastery was
founded by Metropolitan Vasilije in the 17th century and is visited by
people of all nations and faiths. There are two small churches inside the
sanctuary—the upper church, dedicated to the Holy Cross; and the lower
church, dedicated to Holy Mary.
On the way back, we will visit Budva, a metropolis of Montenegro tourism.
The old town lies on a small peninsula and offers a treasure chest of
cultural heritage. Several well-known buildings line the streets, including
the Church of St. Trininty, St. Ivan, the Church of Our Lady and the
Church of St. Sava. During the summer months, Budva hosts a celebration
of theater arts, with numerous local and foreign plays. The town has
various boutiques, cafés, restaurants and galleries. A ferry ride across the
bay shortens our return to Herceg-Novi.
