Kotor, St. Tryphon Cathedral, Budva & Scenic Drive

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

Your first stop, after meeting your driver and guide at the start of this wonderful half-day excursion, is Budva, a genuine highlight of the Montenegrin Riviera.

Your guide will walk you through the narrow streets of this medieval town, which is 2,500 years old, making it one of the oldest settlements on the Adriatic Sea coast. It boasts breath-taking Balkan architecture plus medieval ramparts, and 15th century towers.

After your walking tour, you will have time to shop for souvenirs, before climbing back onto the bus for the drive along the coast back to Kotor. Along the way, you will view the delightful small fishing villages that pepper the coastline, plus the many sandy beaches and pretty coves.

Once back in Kotor, your guide will show you around the ornate St Tryphon cathedral, which is a shrine to St. Tryphon, the protector of Kotor. The cathedral was completed in 1166, and is a wonderful example of Romanesque and Byzantine architecture. The interior is decorated with an impressive gilded altar, frescoes, and a collection of Venetian art dating to the 14th century. It was seriously damaged after an earthquake in 1667, and you will hear how the two towers no longer match because of a lack of funds for a full reconstruction.

Then you will move on to the last stop of the day, the Maritime Museum, which is housed in the 17th century Grgurina Palace. This wonderful museum chronicles Kotor's glory days as one of the Adriatic's major naval powers. Another earthquake damaged the museum in the 1979, but it was beautifully renovated over the subsequent five years, and now showcases many fascinating artifacts including exhibits from World Wars I and II, old Naval weapons and navigation instruments.

Special Notes:

Visitors must walk extensive distances and negotiate uneven surfaces. Not suited for passengers in wheelchairs or with limited mobility. Wear sturdy, comfortable walking shoes and bring a hat.

When visiting sacred sites wear conservative attire. Clothing should cover the shoulders and knees. Shorts are not permitted.

Sequence of tour stops may vary. Use of an audio headset (included) will enhance your tour experience.