Capital
Podgorica
Montenegro is the Balkans at its best, with beautiful beaches, bays and towns.
Small-but-mighty Montenegro is slowly, but surely working its way onto the tourism map. It’s often overshadowed by neighbour Croatia, but this Balkan nation has just as much to shout about – think rugged mountains, bustling beach towns and a seriously photogenic bay. On a Montenegro cruise, you’ll anchor up in Kotor and Bar. The former’s made a name for itself, thanks to its scenic setting on the mountain-ringed Bay of Kotor. Further south in Bar, you’ll want to make your way to the time-stamped old town of Stari Bar.
When you cruise Montenegro, you can expect wow-factor scenery around every corner. The glistening Bay of Kotor is this country’s equivalent of Norway’s spectacular fjords. Plus, Kotor itself is a living museum of Medieval churches, Venetian palaces and terracotta-topped houses. Unlike much of neighbouring Croatia, sandy beaches aren’t in short supply around here, either – Budva boasts a whopping 17 stretches. And our cruises sail during the summer months, when the temperatures hover in the 20s and 30s.
The Adriatic Sea and a blue-hued mountain range sandwich southerly Bar. The town itself is dominated by a working waterfront. Just up the road lies picturesque Stari Bar. Once the original Bari, it’s still filled with the time-worn leftovers of everyone from the Byzantines to the Turks. Head over the mountains and you’ll find the mammoth Lake Skadar.
TUI River Cruises tick off everything from big-name cities like Budapest and Vienna to barely-trodden bankside beauties, like Cochem and Durnstein – via iconic waterways including the Rhine and Danube. Best of all? Flights, transfers and meals with drinks are all included.