Podgorica: The 15 Best Day Trips Out of the Capital

1.Skadar Lake National Park Guided Boat Tour with Wooden Boat

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 91 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $26Our pick

From Virpazar, cruise Lake Skadar for about two hours with an English-speaking guide. See Lesendro fortress, water lilies, birds, and mountain views, then stop for a swim and enjoy wine or juice on the return. Guides including Nikolai, Ana, and Alexander have led recent departures. Transport to Virpazar is not included.

“The guide was really nice and the information was so interesting, the boat was also nice and so peaceful. I really liked.”

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2.Best from our coast (Kotor bay, Budva, Sv Stefan, Skadar lake)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 79 reviews · 7 to 9 hours (approx.) · from $181

From Podgorica, a private guide such as Tanja, Dushan, Stefan, or Slavko takes you through Skadar Lake, the mountain road to the Adriatic, Sveti Stefan, Budva, Kotor, and Cetinje. Expect photo stops, guided walks, flexible timing, and a long but rewarding day of coastal scenery and old towns.

“We had a good time and got to see what the best Montenegro has to offer. Thanks to our guide Olivera.”

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3.GREAT MONTENEGRO TOUR Cetinje – Njeguši – Kotor – Budva – Bečići – Saint Stefan

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 69 reviews · 7 to 9 hours (approx.) · from $205

This private 7 to 9-hour tour from Podgorica links Montenegro’s old royal capital, Njeguši village, Kotor, Budva, Bečići, and Sveti Stefan. Your guide handles the winding roads and can adjust the day around your interests. Guides named in guest feedback include Tamara, Dušan, Marko, Ivan, and Muaweah.

“Really enjoyed my time with Tamara, despite a weather day that neither of us would have preferred due to limited visibility. Loved Cetinje and its history, the entire Kotor area (despite the visibility coming down the "Serpentine" road), and the nice tour of the Budva Old Town. She also left me in Budva, which I needed to be in the next day rather than Podgorica. I sacrificed a little of the tour to get some time in Perast and at Our Lady Of The Rocks, but I'm glad I did. And I even got a better deal on the boat ride out to Our Lady because I with someone who…”

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4.Skadar Lake National Park: Guided Boat Tour to Kom Monastery

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 49 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $38

Join Kingfisher in Virpazar for a three-hour boat ride across Skadar Lake National Park. Cruise through reed channels, pass Lesendro Fortress, see water lilies and birds, visit boat-access-only Kom Monastery, and swim in the lake. Guides such as Peter and Braki add local stories, wine, juice, and warm Montenegrin donuts.

“The operator offers wise advice about the way other operators try to claim that parking is only free if you go with them. I heard them do this. This is an honest operator. Our captain was friendly and helpful throughout, explaining the sights as we went along, offering free wine, juice and freshly made donuts. Well worth the money.”

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5.Private transfers from Podgorica Airport and city to Budva

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 41 reviews · 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes (approx.)

Book a private transfer from Podgorica Airport or the city to Budva for up to four people. Nikola, Mirko, and their team arrange the exact pickup by message, meet you with a sign when needed, help with bags, and may share local tips or stop for photos. The ride takes about 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes.

“We were picked up outside airport on time by Nikola. He is a very safe driver, very knowledgeable and spoke excellent English. Nikola made us feel very welcome. I will definitely use again.”

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6.Black Lake & Tara River Canyon – North Montenegro tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 41 reviews · 9 to 11 hours (approx.) · from $301

Spend 9 to 11 hours exploring northern Montenegro with a private guide. Visit Durmitor National Park, walk to Black Lake, see Đurđevića Tara Bridge, and pause beside the Tara River. Guides such as Dimitrije and Vladimir Markovic add local stories and flexible stops. Ostrog Monastery or Biogradska Gora may be available as alternate routes.

“Andry was a fantastic tour guide, very informative and accomadating. Its a long tour but very worthwhile with beautiful scenery, and we highly recommend the zipline!”

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7.Podgorica Historic, Safari and Winery tour – Skadar lake and River Crnojevica

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 39 reviews · 6 to 7 hours (approx.) · from $118

From Podgorica, this private English-language tour follows the Crnojević river country to Žabljak Crnojevića, Virpazar, Rijeka Crnojevića, and Karuč. You will look for wild horses, stop at Pavlova Strana, visit Fort Besac, and finish with wine, spirits, cheese, pie, ham, and vegetables at Mrkan Winery. Guides such as Milija and Marko lead the day.

“Beautiful countryside and fantastic wine tasting experience. Great value for money. Would definitely recommend.”

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8.Private Full-Day Tour in Moraca and Tara Canyons, Durmitor & Biogradska Gora NP

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 37 reviews · 10 to 11 hours (approx.) · from $185

Join guide Nino of Natour Montenegro for a private 10 to 11 hour journey from Podgorica through two national parks, Morača Monastery, and Montenegro’s great river canyons. Expect scenic drives, short walks, a lake loop, optional zip lining, and a flexible pace that can suit your group.

“This was a wonderful tour with breath taking sites. Nino the guide from Natour Montenegro Travel is and excellent guide who not only knows every tiny road in Montenegro but has deep knowledge of the history and culture. Being on a Van instead of a sedan also allows up to watch better the views.”

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9.Skadar Lake & Crnojevića River: Swimming, Snacks & Wine

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 36 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $44

Set out from Virpazar at 11:30 for a three-hour English-language boat trip across Lake Skadar National Park. Expect reeds, lilies, Lesendro Fortress, mountain views, birdlife, a swim stop, wine, rakija, juice, and warm priganice with cheese and honey. Transport to Virpazar is not included.

“Everything was great! Free wine/donuts/water, nice crew! The lake is perfect, in summer it's shallow but still great. Definitely worth it!”

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10.Ostrog Monastery tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 32 reviews · 3 to 4 hours (approx.) · from $142

Travel from Podgorica to Ostrog Monastery in a private WiFi-equipped vehicle with driver-guide Dragan. You’ll learn about Saint Basil, see the monastery built into the rock, enjoy mountain views, and return to your pickup point after roughly three to four hours. Hotel pickup, English service, and free cancellation up to 24 hours ahead are included.

“My experience visiting Ostrog Monastery and its breathtaking surroundings was truly unforgettable, thanks to my guide, Dragan. From the moment the journey began, he combined deep local knowledge with genuine warmth, making every stop meaningful and every story come alive. Dragan navigates Montenegro’s winding roads with confidence and care, but what truly sets him apart is his passion for sharing the history, spirituality, and hidden corners of this remarkable region. He offered thoughtful insights, answered every question with patience, and created a relaxed atmosphere that allowed me to fully appreciate the beauty of Ostrog and the landscapes around it. His professionalism, kindness, and a...”

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11.2 Hour Group Boat Trip in Skadar Lake

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 27 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $20Best value

Join a small English-language boat trip from Virpazar for about two hours on Skadar Lake. Cruise past Lesendro Fortress, water lilies, reeds, bird habitat, and the Moraca River, then stop near Cakovica islands for a wild swim. Bottled water, juice, local wine, binoculars, and bird books are included.

“We had a very entertaining and enjoyable boat ride on Lake Skadar and would highly recommend this excursion to others!”

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12.MONASTERY TOUR – Impressive Montenegrin Monasteries

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 24 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $132

Spend about seven hours visiting Dajbabe, Podgorica’s Cathedral of Christ’s Resurrection, Ždrebaonik, and Ostrog. Private guides such as Tamara, Ivan, Lidia, Darko, and Moawyah provide hotel pickup, history, cultural context, and flexible help along the way. Departures are available from Podgorica, Kotor, or Budva.

“We had a wonderful dayout with jam pack of activities. Our guide was very professional. We recommend it !”

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13.Ostrog monastery and Niagara waterfalls

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 23 reviews · 3 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $160

Travel from Podgorica in a private, air-conditioned vehicle with a local guide to Ostrog Monastery, Niagara Waterfall, and the Cijevna River Canyon. Add Virpazar and a one-hour Skadar Lake boat trip if you choose that option. Guides such as Dimitrije and Vladimir provide history, local context, and flexible help throughout the day.

“It is a unique experience that one will not forget. Our guide was very knowledgeable about the history and customs, which was helpful in understanding and enjoying the monastery. My friends and I highly recommend Dimitrije as our guide and tour operator. He was a joy to be with.”

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14.Private Tour in Ostrog Monastery, Doclea and Nature Park Zeta

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 21 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $114

Travel from Podgorica with guide Nino to Roman Doclea, dramatic Ostrog Monastery, and Zeta Nature Park. Expect private transport, local history, village scenery, and possible homemade wine, fruit, or a family meal. The six-hour plan is flexible, with pickup within 8 kilometers of central Podgorica.

“The places that the guide took me were exceptional. The guide was very very knowledgeable and made me feel as if I was a local. We had a great meal at the end and had fresh figs, pomegranates and other berries. Such a memorable trip”

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15.Virpazar Skadar Lake National Park Guided Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 21 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $26

From Virpazar, cruise into Skadar Lake’s green channels with an English-speaking guide. See Lesendro Fortress, bird-filled reeds, water lilies, the Cakovica islands, and Kamenik. The small boat carries up to 10 people and includes water, soda, local wine for adults, and the national park fee. Swimming is optional on the return.

“Great company, they never cancel tours! Even if you are the only customer (like me). All was super!!”

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