24 Hours in Montenegro

Perast.  Start your morning at an amazing town with almost the same number of churches as number of inhabitants. Here you will enjoy the beautiful scenery and architecture of this old historical town. Between the 13th and 18th centuries, Perast belonged to Venice. The most beautiful buildings were constructed under the period of the Republic of Venice in the 17th and 18th centuries when Perast was at its peak. The Parish Church in Perast was built in 1740 by the Venetian architect, Giuseppe Beati, but only the church tower and the church vault remain. Visit the St. Nicholas Church, patron saints of the sailors. There are also two small islands in the close vicinity of Perast, St. George Island and Our Lady of the Rock Island that are an approximately 15-minute boat ride away.  Location: Perast, Montenegro.

Lunch Option 1: Hotel Conte.  This is a fantastic waterside restaurant in an idyllic and atmospheric little village. You couldn't ask for a more picturesque location.  Try the grilled squid stuffed with seafood risotto and a side of potato spinach.  Location:  Hotel Conte @42.486194,18.698076 (Perast waterfront).

Kotor.  You will enjoy walking through the maze of Kotor's medieval quarter, its bustling market and among beautiful Renaissance buildings. The well-preserved fortified walls of Kotor protect it from the sea and at nearly 3 miles long, it is considered one of the world’s historic values.  Visit the Cathedral of St. Tryphon, which was constructed in 1166 and built on the remains of a former temple from the 9th century.  You will see the remains from 14th century frescos and the valuable treasury with both local and Venetian golden works dating from the 14th to the 20th centuries.  Go to St. John’s Fortress for great views.  Location: Trg od Katedrala (Stari Grad), Kotor, Montenegro.

Lunch Option 2: Cesarica.  Cesarica serves excellent and cheap Dalmatian food. Try the cuttlefish risotto, it's amazing!  Address: Stari grad 375, Kotor Old Town, Kotor 85330.

Budva .  Besides the panoramic drive and walk through the Royal Park at Miločer, you have the opportunity to enjoy, in the shade of centennial olives, the view of St. Stefan, a scenic island hamlet from the fifteenth century which can be visited at your own pace at a later stage.  Visit the spiritual center of St. Stefan and Paštrovici - Monastery of Praskvica, and tour the lively Old City of Budva, where you can enjoy yourself in one of many cafes or see churches, museums and galleries or go shopping.  Location: Old Town, Njegoseva 4, Budva, 85310 Montenegro.

Sveti Stefan. Joined to the mainland by a stone walkway, the island resort of Sveti Stefan is the most iconic symbol of Montenegro. It looks like something out of a fairytale story, with those terracota rooftops contrasting against the blue of the Adriatic. A town on an island that’s been turned into a hotel- it’s pretty unique. Sveti Stefan is located in the center of Montenegro’s Adriatic coastline. The site incorporates two kilometers of coastline including the pink sandy beaches of Sveti Stefan, Miločer Beach and the famous Queen’s Beach.

Dinner: Vila Droga.  Vila Drago has perfect views of Sveti Stefan island and is characterized by palatable and copious seafood dishes and continental specialties. Rarely can one find first-class fish and perfect lobster on the same menu with barbecue made by a chef from Leskovac and genuine domestic cuisine dishes. And all that at very reasonable prices.  Location: Slobode 32, 85315 Sveti Stefan, Montenegro.