Old Royal Montenegro from Podgorica: Cetinje, Lovćen & Njeguši
5–10 hours (depending on selected options)
History, views & old Montenegro
Optional activities & local food
Private groups
A drive through old Montenegro, with time in Cetinje — the most important historical city in the country, views from Lovćen National Park with its natural surroundings, a visit to the Njegoš Mausoleum - the highest mausoleum in the world, partly made of gold, and a route through Njeguši, known for its prosciutto, way of life, and its role as a connection between the coast and the mountains
Optional activities:
• Walk through the forest on Lovćen
• Visit to a local beekeeper
• Visit to Lipa Cave
• Lunch
Royal Past and Wide Mountain Views
On this experience, the focus is not only on visiting Cetinje, Lovćen, and Njeguši, but on understanding why this part of the country matters. This is where Montenegro was shaped, where decisions were made and where life developed under conditions that defined the country.
What Will You See?
The tour starts from Podgorica toward Cetinje, the former royal capital and the most important historical city in Montenegro. There is time to walk through the town, see buildings from the early 20th century, and optionally visit museums depending on your interest.
From there, the road continues toward Lovćen National Park. As you go higher, the landscape opens, and you begin to see how much of the country is actually mountains. From certain points, you can see large parts of Montenegro, and on clear days even Skadar Lake and the Bay of Kotor.
At the top, you visit the Njegoš Mausoleum, located at one of the highest points. Just reaching it gives a sense of how much effort it took to build it there, and what it represents.
The route then continues through Njeguši, known for its prosciutto, traditional way of life, and its role as a connection between the coast and the mountains.
Along the way, there is the option for a walk through the forest on Lovćen, a visit to a local beekeeper, a visit to Lipa Cave, or a stop for lunch depending on your preference.
Tour Highlights
Stops on the tour include:
• Cetinje — the most important historical city in Montenegro and former royal capital
• Lovćen National Park — mountain landscapes and wide views across the country
• Njegoš Mausoleum — the highest mausoleum in the world, partly made of gold
• Views over Skadar Lake and the Bay of Kotor (weather permitting)
• Njeguši — prosciutto, traditional way of life, and connection between coast and mountains
• Optional walk through the forest on Lovćen
• Optional visit to a local beekeeper
• Optional visit to Lipa Cave
• Optional lunch with local food
A route where you see the country from above, take in the views, and understand how Montenegro was shaped over time.
Tour Details
Duration: 5h-10h (depending on selected options)
Language: English (other languages available upon request)
Group size: Private groups (up to 18 people)
Difficulty: Easy–Medium– mostly easy, with medium difficulty for the stairs at the Njegoš Mausoleum and optional walking through the forest on Lovćen
Recommended for:
Travelers who want to understand Montenegro through its history, nature, and local way of life, with the flexibility to include additional activities along the way.
Good to Know
-
Because this is the heart of Montenegro — with some of the best views in the country, a unique mausoleum, and places that show how Montenegro was shaped. The tour also gives you flexibility to include different options along the way, all in good company, without rushing.
-
The tour can last anywhere between 5 and 10 hours, depending on your preferences and how much time you want to spend at each stop.
It can be kept shorter if you are limited with time, or extended with optional activities such as a walk on Lovćen, a visit to Lipa Cave, a beekeeper visit, or a lunch stop along the way.
Each tour is planned based on your request, so you will receive a custom itinerary adjusted to your interests and available time. -
You can spend more or less time at each stop depending on your preference, with the following optional activities:
• Walk through the forest on Lovćen (1h – 1h 30 min) — about 60% shade, the rest in the sun• Visit to Lipa Cave (around 1h 30 min) — the largest cave in Montenegro; please note there are only a few daily time slots, so timing needs to be respected
• Visit to a local beekeeper — a chance to learn about the honey-making process and try or buy quality local honey
• Lunch option — at a local household with traditional food, a more affordable traditional restaurant, or a restaurant with a view and natural shade.
-
Yes, lunch can be included as an optional stop on the way back. You can choose between food by the sea, near the lake, or in the Podgorica area.
Please note that the cost of lunch is not included in the tour price.
-
The price you receive already includes the time planned for the tour, including any agreed stops and activities, so the extended duration is already taken into account.
There is no need to rush — the experience is meant to be relaxed, with enough time to enjoy each part of the day.
Please note that the cost of lunch is not included in the tour price.
If anything additional is arranged during the tour beyond what was planned, the price will be explained at that point.
-
We work with private tours because that’s the only way our approach makes sense. With private tours each guest is treated with respect, as an individual, not one of many. The focus stays on your energy, interests, and questions, at a pace that feels natural.
We adapt to you, not the other way around. -
The starting price is 140€ for a group of 2 people. For larger groups, the price is adjusted depending on the number of participants.
Once you decide which activities you would like to include, you will receive a final price based on the full plan of the tour, with all costs clearly listed.
-
his tour works best in smaller groups, as it allows for a more comfortable and flexible experience throughout the journey.
Due to the nature of the route and the type of roads we use, the maximum group size is limited to 18 people. We typically organize tours for groups of 3–4, 7–8, or up to 18 people, depending on the vehicle.
This setup ensures that we can comfortably access all planned stops and keep the experience smooth and enjoyable.
-
This tour is led by a local guide whose family comes from the Cetinje area.
The focus is on a real connection to the place, with an emphasis on how people lived here and what it represents.Rarely, the tour may be led by another guide from Montenegro — someone we work with and trust, who understands the experience and approach of the tour. If this happens, everything will be clearly explained in advance.
-
Tours can usually be arranged at different times during the day depending on availability.
If you have a specific schedule we will do our best to adapt the tour time to your plans.
-
We usually arrange pickup directly from your accommodation or a convenient location in Podgorica.
After your booking is confirmed, we will send you all the details, including the exact pickup point and time, so everything is clear and easy.
For additional convenience, you will also receive the guide’s phone number, in case you need to get in touch on the day of the tour.
-
Booking is confirmed once we agree on the plan, availability, and pricing. You’ll always receive clear information before anything is finalized.
-
Payment is made in cash on the day of the tour. All details are agreed in advance, with no hidden costs or surprises. ATMs are easy to find if needed.
-
We understand that plans can change. If you need to cancel or reschedule, we simply ask that you let us know as early as possible. We usually send a short reminder before the tour as well, to keep things clear and avoid misunderstandings.
In the unlikely event that we need to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances, you will always be informed as early as possible. Because we work with a limited number of private tours and focus strongly on quality, this situation is very rare. If it does happen, we will offer an alternative solution if available. When possible, we also try to provide a goodwill gesture for the inconvenience.
-
Tipping is not required, but it is always appreciated if you enjoyed the tour.
If you feel the experience was valuable and memorable, a tip is a nice way to show your appreciation. -
• Cetinje — around 30 min to 1h (walking through the town)
• Njegoš Mausoleum — around 30 min to 1h including 461 steps; the stairs are not continuous, but divided into sections, with short flat parts after each “level”
• Optional walk through the forest — 1h to 1h 30 min
• Optional visit to Lipa Cave — around 45 min of walkingWalking time can be around 1 hour at a fast pace, around 2 hours at a relaxed pace, and up to about 4 hours 15 minutes if all optional activities are included.
-
What should I wear?
Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly. Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven surfaces.
If it’s hot, don’t forget to bring water and sun protection such as a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, as there is limited shade during the tour.
If the weather is colder or unstable, bring something warmer for the mountain, depending on the season.
If you plan to visit Lipa Cave, keep in mind that the temperature inside is around 8–12°C (46–54°F), so you will need a jacket or warm layers, as it can feel quite cold during the 1-hour visit.
-
The tour can still take place in most weather conditions, with adjustments to the plan if needed.
-
The website is designed to be simple and easy to navigate, without complicated menus. You can choose your starting point by clicking directly on the location where you want the tour to begin.
The website is organized into two main sections. One section is for shore excursions, covering the cities of Kotor and Bar. The other section includes tours starting from the Bay of Kotor area (Kotor, Tivat, Perast), then Budva and Bar on the coast, as well as inland tours from Podgorica, Cetinje, and Nikšić.
If you are staying or arriving in one of these locations, it is best to go to the page for that specific city and choose from the available options there.
If a specific option is not listed, there is usually a reason for it. The priority is that you have a good experience, without rushing, missing your cruise, or spending the day in traffic.
If you have a specific request, you are welcome to contact us by email. We will gladly share our thoughts and help organize it, but not at any cost — the focus is that everything runs smoothly and works in the best possible way.
What Makes This Tour Special?
Understanding where it all comes from
This route goes through the part of the country where Montenegro was formed. It’s not just about visiting places, but about understanding why this area mattered and how it shaped what came later.
Views that show the whole country
From Lovćen, you don’t just get a viewpoint — you see how the country is laid out, how many mountains there are, and how everything connects. On clear days, the views reach from Skadar Lake to the Bay of Kotor.
A place that shows what it took
The Njegoš Mausoleum, its position, and the effort behind building it at that height give a different perspective — not just on history, but on what it took to create something like that.
Centuries of struggle for freedom
This part of the country reflects a long history of resistance and survival. The terrain, the way people lived, and the decisions that were made here were all shaped by the need to defend and preserve independence over time.
Why Book With Us
You can trust the way this is organized, because everything is explained clearly on the website from the start. Communication is kept simple, fast, and direct, without unnecessary back and forth.
Costs are transparent and kept at a fair level. What you see is what you get, without hidden details.
A lot of time has been put into building relationships with local partners. The cooperation is strong, which means better conditions, flexibility, and a better overall experience for you.
The goal is simple — to make everything work in the best possible way, without complications.
The main reason behind it all is a personal connection to this part of the country. I spent 14 years here, my family worked and lived here, and like many others, we later moved elsewhere for economic reasons. It’s a place I know from experience, not from books.
Book your Old Royal Montenegro tour and experience Cetinje, Lovćen and Njeguši with a local guide who knows the place from the inside.
Fill out the form below to send a booking request for the tour.
We will check availability and do our best to reply as quickly as possible with the details.
Your contact information will only be used to respond to your booking request.