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The map below shows the route our coach followed on this day trip into Montenegro. From Dubrovnik, the main highway southbound passes Cavtat and the Dubrovnik airport before entering Montenegro. We reached the walled city of Kotor by driving around the north shore of Kotor Bay. Later, our lunch stop was in Budva, south and east of Kotor. On our return to Dubrovnik, travel time was considerably reduced by taking the coach across the neck of Kotor Bay by ferry.
Near Perast on Kotor Bay there are two small islands, each of which has a picturesque chapel: one called St. George (left in photo below) and the other Our Lady of the Rock. The church on St. George has its origins in a Benedictine Abbey, in use on the island as early as the 9th century. Our Lady of the Rock is the only artificially built island in the Adriatic. It was constructed in the 15th century by Venetian mariners determined to leave a testimony of their Christian faith and culture in the very heart of the Bay of Kotor:
Arriving at our first destination, the city of Kotor, defensively walled since medieval times:
We entered through the main gate:
Wandering on our own, as we like to do, we poked into every inviting alley we could find:
Seemingly “squeezed” into town is large and modern St. Nichola’s, a Serbian Orthodox Church:
Its dome and twin bell towers are easy to spot even from a distance:
St. Tryphon’s, a Roman Catholic Cathedral, was consecrated in 1166:
An intriguing little square begging for a photo:
“There was an old woman who lived in Kotor, ...” Darn, can’t remember the rest of the jingle.
She seemed friendly and curious, though, and pleased to see tourists:
Patty exploring another interesting alley:
Finally, we found it: BINGO! Here it is!
All too soon, it was time to leave Kotor with lunch being a strong incentive. Departing Kotor, our coach climbed up over a mountain pass, providing scenic views of the old town:
After this brief introduction to Kotor, anyone wishing to view some really spectacular photos of this walled city may enjoy:
http://www.galenfrysinger.com/montenegro_kotor.htm
(Broadband connection especially recommended.)
Our lunch stop was in Budva on its small boat harbor:
It was quite enjoyable having the harbor as a backdrop while savoring a delicious meal of sarma (aka, stuffed cabbage):
Afterwards, we had time to explore the old town of Budva. However, with the cold, windy and showery conditions, it was deserted except for a few like-minded tourists:
Even this beach cafe had zero business:
On our return to Dubrovnik, the coach was carried across the Bay of Kotor on a ferry identical to this one, saving much travel time. With the pelting rain, driving back around the bay was not our first choice anyway.
