Unique gastro experience with locals in high hills above Budva!

If you’re craving an authentic taste of Montenegro’s countryside combined with breathtaking views and local hospitality, this private tour offers just that. For around $136, you’ll spend about 4 hours exploring the hills above Budva, visiting historic sites like Kosmac Fortress and Stanjevici Monastery, and ending with a home-cooked lunch with a local family. Led by friendly guides, this experience is perfect for those who want a deeper connection with Montenegro’s rural traditions and stunning natural scenery.

What we love most about this tour are the spectacular panoramic views of Budva’s bay from high vantage points and the personalized experience of eating with a local family—an intimate peek into everyday Montenegrin life. The tour’s flexibility—allowing you to customize the itinerary—means you can focus on the sights or simply soak in the countryside at your own pace.

A potential consideration is the moderate drive up into the hills, which might be a bumpy ride for some travelers with mobility issues. Also, as it’s a private tour, it’s best suited for those looking for a more personalized, relaxed experience rather than a large-group sightseeing bus.

This tour suits travelers eager for off-the-beaten-path adventures, history lovers keen to explore ancient monasteries, and foodies wanting to sample homemade Montenegrin cuisine in a genuine setting. If you appreciate meaningful local encounters and scenic vistas, this will likely be a highlight of your stay near Budva.

Key Points

• Authentic Montenegrin hospitality with a home-cooked lunch in a local family’s house
• Stunning viewpoints offering sweeping views of Budva’s bay and surrounding mountains
• Historical sites including Kosmac Fortress and Stanjevici Monastery with rich pasts
• Comfortable transportation in air-conditioned vehicles for a relaxed journey
• Customizable itinerary to focus on your interests or explore the countryside more freely
• Highly rated guides with real passion for sharing Montenegro’s stories and scenery

Exploring the Hills Above Budva: An Authentic Montenegrin Experience

This tour begins with a simple yet welcoming meeting point in Budva, where your guide introduces themselves and sets the tone for a memorable outing. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the focus is on genuine local experiences, not just ticking off popular sights. As you hop into a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, you’ll soon start ascending into the hills, with stunning views of the Budva bay unfolding before you.

The Drive and Panoramic Views

It’s only about 20 minutes of driving to reach your first scenic stop—Kosmac Fortress. From this vantage point, you’ll get a spectacular view of the coast and the Adriatic Sea, a perfect photo opportunity and a chance to appreciate Montenegro’s rugged beauty. We loved the way the guide pointed out the various landmarks and explained the fortress’s strategic importance in the past. The experience is more than just a look—it’s a window into Montenegro’s history and geography.

Visiting the Monastery of Stanjevici

Next, you’ll head into the countryside to visit the XIV-century Stanjevici Monastery, perched at 600 meters altitude on the southern side of Loven Mountain, which is part of Montenegro’s national park. This monastery isn’t just a religious site; it was once a significant political and spiritual hub during the Petrovic dynasty. The peaceful, historical atmosphere combines with the surrounding natural beauty, making it a highlight for lovers of history and scenery alike.

Authentic Lunch with a Montenegrin Family

After soaking in the history and vistas, the tour takes a warm turn—visiting the Kuzman family’s home, where you’ll enjoy a lunch made from freshly grown ingredients. The meal is homemade, often including local dishes and organic produce straight from the garden. As several reviews mention, the home-cooked food is delicious, and tasting local wine and Loza (Grapa Brandy) adds to the experience of genuine Montenegrin hospitality.

Reviewers like Faye praised the delicious food and fresh produce, and others highlighted the warm, hospitable atmosphere. Sharing a meal with locals is more than just a culinary treat—it’s a chance to connect, ask questions, and see how everyday Montenegrins live.

Cultural Insights and Personal Touch

Guides like Petar or Rajko aren’t just there to show you the sights—they’re passionate storytellers. They share historical tidbits, personal anecdotes, and local customs, which elevate the experience from a simple sightseeing trip to a meaningful cultural exchange. Reviewers consistently mention how knowledgeable and friendly guides made the trip special, often going out of their way to take photos or customize the itinerary.

Returning to Budva

After a full morning of scenic vistas, history, and hearty food, your driver will take you back to the original meeting point in Budva. The journey down is relaxed, often with conversation about the different sights or reflections on the day.

The Value of This Tour

At $136, this experience provides a well-rounded glimpse into Montenegro’s countryside, history, and local life without feeling rushed. The private nature of the tour means you won’t be lost in a crowd—your group gets personalized attention, and the flexible itinerary lets you focus on what interests you most.

What sets this tour apart is the combination of spectacular views, historical visits, and intimate local encounters—elements that are often missing from larger, more commercial excursions. Being able to enjoy home-cooked food and wine in a family setting adds a layer of authenticity that money can’t buy.

Who Should Consider This Experience?

This tour is ideal for history enthusiasts who want to explore Montenegro’s ancient monasteries and fortresses, as well as food lovers eager to taste homemade Montenegrin cuisine. It appeals to those who prefer small, personalized groups or private experiences, and for travelers who enjoy scenic drives with rewarding views. If you’re seeking an immersive cultural experience that takes you beyond the beaches, this trip will fit your style.

Practical Details

• Duration: Approx. 4 hours
• Price: $136.37 per person, including hotel pickup
• Transportation: Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle
• Includes: Personalized guide, lunch, local wine, and brandy
• Booking: Mobile tickets available, group discounts offered
• Cancellation: Free up to 24 hours before the experience

The tour is suitable for most travelers, with reviews highlighting its accessibility and engaging nature. If you’re worried about the drive, know that the vehicle is comfortable, and the stops are well-paced.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers hassle-free hotel pickup, making it easy to start your day without worrying about transportation.

What’s the duration of the tour?
It lasts approximately 4 hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, the tour allows customization to suit your interests, whether you want more time at certain sites or additional scenic stops.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable shoes for walking around the fortress and monastery are recommended. Bring your camera, and perhaps a light jacket if you’re visiting in cooler months.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate; however, consider the walking involved during visits to the fortress and monastery if traveling with very young children.

What food is served during the lunch?
The lunch features local dishes made from organic produce, including Montenegrin specialties, homemade wine, and brandy.

Will I get good views?
Absolutely. The stops are specifically chosen for their panoramic views of Budva and the surrounding mountains.

Is the tour private?
Yes, this is a private tour for your group only, providing a more personalized experience.

Final Thoughts

If you’re in Montenegro and want to see the country’s natural beauty, explore its history, and taste authentic local cuisine, this tour hits all those marks. The combination of scenic vistas, historic sites, and warm hospitality offers a genuine taste of Montenegrin life that many visitors rave about. It’s particularly suited for travelers who prefer a relaxed pace and appreciate small, intimate experiences over large group excursions.

What truly makes this tour stand out is the human connection—sharing a meal in a local home, learning from passionate guides, and seeing Montenegro from a perspective that’s often hidden behind popular tourist spots. If authentic experiences and stunning views are what you seek, this trip delivers in spades.

Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or simply looking for a peaceful escape into the hills, this adventure promises memorable moments and beautiful scenery—truly a worthwhile addition to your Montenegro itinerary.