A Private Peek into Montenegro’s Highlights: Ancient Budva & St. Stephen
Imagine wandering through narrow streets of an ancient town, feeling the salty breeze from the Adriatic, and capturing photos of one of the most iconic islets in Montenegro—all in around four hours. For just over $100 per person, this Private Tour of Ancient Budva and the Unique St. Stephen offers a tailored experience that focuses on culture, history, and stunning scenery. Led by knowledgeable guides, this tour focuses on maximizing your time in the region, making it perfect for travelers who value authentic encounters and personal attention.
What we love most about this experience is how flexible it is—your guide can customize the itinerary based on your interests, whether that’s delving into historical stories or simply soaking up the views. Plus, the opportunity to walk through the vibrant Old Town of Budva and enjoy scenic stops at Sveti Stefan and Mogren Fortress makes this a well-rounded taste of Montenegro’s coastal charm.
One thing to consider is that, depending on traffic conditions and the number of participants, the drive between Kotor and Budva can be longer than expected. The roads are still under construction, which sometimes leads to delays. Still, most travelers find the journey itself part of the adventure, with plenty of opportunities to photograph the stunning coastline.
This tour suits those who want a deep yet flexible experience—history buffs, scenic lovers, or anyone looking for a personalized day away from crowded group excursions. If you enjoy storytelling, breathtaking views, and a bit of local flavor, this private tour will likely be a highlight of your trip.
Key Points
- Personalized experience tailored to your interests and pace
- Expert guide with local knowledge and engaging storytelling
- Flexible itinerary including Old Town, Sveti Stefan, and Mogren Fortress
- Stunning coastline views and photo opportunities
- Comfortable private transportation with amenities like free Wi-Fi and bottled water
- Ideal for cruise passengers or travelers seeking authentic Montenegro moments
Prefer personalized experiences? Here are other private options we've covered in Kotor
Exploring Montenegro with a Personal Touch
This tour is designed to give you a personalized glimpse of Montenegro’s coast, blending scenic beauty with cultural insights. Starting at the port of Kotor, the tour lasts approximately 3 to 4 hours—perfect for fitting into a cruise day or a half-day city visit. The price of around $100.72 per person includes private transportation, an air-conditioned vehicle, parking fees, Wi-Fi, bottled water, and entry to Budva Old Town, ensuring you travel comfortably and without hidden costs.
Why We Appreciate the Privacy and Customization
Travelers consistently praise the private nature of this tour, which means you’re not squeezed into a large group. Instead, your guide, often named Tiho based on reviews, dedicates time to making your experience memorable. Several reviews mention how knowledgeable and friendly he is, going out of his way to tailor the tour according to traveler interests, whether that’s taking extra photo stops or sharing stories about local history.
The flexibility is a real advantage. If you’re interested in photographing certain spots or want more time at Sveti Stefan, your guide can accommodate. This is a stark contrast to more rigid group tours, which often rush or prioritize a fixed itinerary.
Walking Through Old Town Budva
The first stop is the Old Town of Budva, a charming maze of cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and quaint squares. Entry is included in the price, and a guide will lead you through its many alleys, explaining the architecture and stories behind the city walls. Travelers love the personalized walking tour, with one saying, “He knew the best spots for pictures, good coffee, and all the stories about the places we visited.”
Expect about an hour exploring, with free time afterward to wander independently. The Old Town is lively yet manageable, perfect for soaking in local life without feeling overwhelmed.
Sveti Stefan: Picture-Perfect and Scenic
The highlight for many is the panoramic view of Sveti Stefan, a tiny islet connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway. The tour offers a photo stop, often with a coffee or snack break while enjoying the scenery. The views of this iconic island are truly breathtaking—think postcard-worthy with its pastel-colored buildings and dramatic setting.
One reviewer mentioned, “We loved the way we could take photos from above and get a sense of its scale and beauty.” Though access to the island itself might be limited unless staying at the resort, the viewpoint provides ample opportunity for stunning photography and appreciation.
Mogren Fortress and St. Nicola Island Views
Next, the guide may take you to Mogren Fortress, perched on seaside cliffs, offering spectacular views of the coastline and nearby islands. A quick walk around the fortress lets you appreciate Montenegro’s rugged coastline and the calm, crystal-clear waters of the Riviera.
This stop is often appreciated for the scenic vistas and relaxed atmosphere. Reviewers note the “amazing seaside views on St. Nicola Island & the Riviera of Budva,” which makes for perfect photo moments and a chance to breathe in the fresh sea air.
The Practicalities: What to Expect
The tour is quite comprehensive for its duration, with transportation included in the price. The vehicle is air-conditioned, and amenities like free Wi-Fi and bottled water help keep you comfortable. Parking fees and entry tickets to Old Town are also covered, so you won’t need to worry about extra costs.
The tour tends to start at 8 AM or later, giving flexibility for morning arrivals. Most travelers find the timing works well, especially if docking in Kotor and wanting to maximize your time in Montenegro.
Considerations for Travelers
Delays due to road construction might extend travel time slightly, but most find it part of the adventure and appreciate the scenery along the way. The tour is suitable for nearly all travelers, including cruise passengers, couples, and solo travelers, thanks to its private, customizable nature. Keep in mind that lunch and alcohol are not included, so plan to bring some snacks or plan for a meal afterward.
Who Will Love This Tour?
If you’re looking for a relaxed, personalized experience that captures the essence of Montenegro’s coast, this tour fits the bill. It’s especially suited for travelers who prefer small groups or private outings, want to learn about the area from an enthusiastic guide, and love capturing beautiful photos. The flexibility to adapt the itinerary makes it appealing for those with specific interests, whether they’re history buffs or lovers of scenic views.
This tour also offers great value considering the private transportation, guide, and exclusive access to key sites. For anyone visiting Kotor and wanting a comprehensive yet intimate taste of Montenegro’s coastal treasures, this tour is a superb choice.
FAQ
How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 3 to 4 hours, making it perfect for a half-day outing that fits easily into a cruise schedule or a city sightseeing plan.
What is included in the price?
The fee covers private transportation, an air-conditioned vehicle, parking fees, Wi-Fi, bottled water, and entry to Budva Old Town. It does not include lunch or alcoholic beverages.
Can the itinerary be customized?
Yes, the tour is private and can be tailored according to your interests, whether you want more time at certain sites or specific photo stops.
Is this tour suitable for cruise ship passengers?
Absolutely. The meeting point is conveniently at the port of Kotor, and the tour is designed to fit within typical port excursion times.
What transportation is used?
A private, air-conditioned vehicle equipped with Wi-Fi, ensuring comfort and connectivity during your sightseeing.
What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.
In The Sum Up
This Ancient Budva & Unique St. Stephen Private Tour provides a well-balanced mix of scenic beauty, cultural insight, and personalized attention. It’s ideal for travelers who appreciate the flexibility to shape their day and want to avoid large group rushes. The guide’s local knowledge and friendly approach make it easier to connect with Montenegro’s coastal character, all while enjoying stunning vistas and historic sites.
If you’re seeking a meaningful, intimate glimpse into Montenegro’s coast—whether for a quick shore excursion or a relaxed half-day adventure—this tour offers genuine value. It’s perfect for those who want to blend scenic photography, cultural stories, and a comfortable, private setting into one memorable experience.
References
More Private Tours in Kotor
- Perast & Our Lady of the Rocks 1,5 hours private tour
- Kotor private walking tour & Gastro experience
- Blue Cave and Our Lady of the Rocks – 3h Private Speedboat Tour
- Private tour: Kotor & Budva – Our Lady of the Rocks & St.Stefan
- Private Kotor Old Town Walking Tour
- Lady of the Rocks & Perast Old Town Kotor Private Tour (2 Hours)
More Tours in Kotor
- Bike tour – Downhill from Njegos Mausoleum to Kotor bay
- Perast & Our Lady of the Rocks 1,5 hours private tour
- 3 Hour Speed Boat Tour to Blue Cave with WiFi and Drinks
- Kotor private walking tour & Gastro experience
- Horseshoe Bend of Montenegro-Budva Riviera & Boka Bay scenic tour
- The Great Montenegro Tour from Kotor
More Tour Reviews in Kotor
- Kotor – Budva – Sveti Stefan | Unforgettable Montenegro Experience
- Bike tour – Downhill from Njegos Mausoleum to Kotor bay
- Perast & Our Lady of the Rocks 1,5 hours private tour
- 3 Hour Speed Boat Tour to Blue Cave with WiFi and Drinks
- Kotor private walking tour & Gastro experience
- Horseshoe Bend of Montenegro-Budva Riviera & Boka Bay scenic tour
More Kotor experiences we've covered
- Ancient Budva & Unique St.Stephen Private Tour
- Bike tour – Downhill from Njegos Mausoleum to Kotor bay
- Perast & Our Lady of the Rocks 1,5 hours private tour
- 3 Hour Speed Boat Tour to Blue Cave with WiFi and Drinks
- Kotor private walking tour & Gastro experience
- Horseshoe Bend of Montenegro-Budva Riviera & Boka Bay scenic tour
- Kotor Bay Discovery and Sightseeing on Speedboat
- The Great Montenegro Tour from Kotor
- Lovcen – Symbol of Montenegrin Freedom including Budva & Cetinje
- Blue Cave and Our Lady of the Rocks – 3h Private Speedboat Tour
- Private tour: Kotor & Budva – Our Lady of the Rocks & St.Stefan
- Transfer Portonovi / Herceg Novi to Dubrovnik Old Town