"When you arrive in downtown Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro, grab a Niksicko Pivo beer and some appetizers like Montenegrin cheeses, bruschetti, and a hummus plate, at Restobar Strudla, a cafe and events space which is right off Njegošev Park."

"Have the restaurant call Alo Taxi to take you north through the mountains to the lower part of Ostrog Monastery, a Serbian Orthodox Church built within a cliff in 1665. The shrine stands 900 meters above ground in Ostroška Greda, and to get to the top, you’ll have to hike 45 minutes — you’ll see plenty of religious pilgrims do it barefoot, so you should have no problem in hiking shoes and your backpack. The walk will be worth it: It’s one of the most stunning sites of worship, with dozens of religious mosaics and sweeping views of the lush Zeta valley below. "

"Book an Airbnb with a small kitchen and terrace for under $50 a night in the heart of Old Town Kotor, a fortress that was built between the 12th and 14th centuries. Drop off your bags at the apartment, which is a three minute walk from Theater Gate, located on the south side of town, and wander around the narrow cobblestone paths and dip into the clothing boutiques, art galleries and coffee and sandwich shops."

"Eat and get a drink at the place where you hear the best live music, and order the grilled whole fish — the patio at Bastion is a great option."

"Wake up, drink coffee, and enjoy the cheese and cured meat you picked up at Kotor Coffee and Sandwich shop on your terrace that overlooks the sea and surrounding terracotta rooftops."

"Behind you are the mountains and a centuries-old fortress accessible through a walking path 50 meters from the apartment; it turns into a zigzagging trail with 70 switchbacks called the Ladder of Kotor. It’s a rigorous 8-mile hike that can take 5 hours, and it’s best to go in the morning to beat the midday heat."

"Go to Perast and buy a kilo of figs for one and a half euros out of the back of someone’s truck (there are a bunch) and bring it to the water’s edge, a stone strip where motor boats dock."

"For lunch, try Konoba Skolji. You’ll want to arrive mid-afternoon, that way the outdoor barbeque will be hot enough to order their slow-cooked “lamb under the bell,” a large dish filled with meat that’s roasted for hours and vegetables and feeds four."

"Ask for a fisherman named Igor to take you to the tiny islet called Our Lady of the Rocks. On it, there is a baroque-style Catholic church called The Church of the Lady of the Rocks that is filled with local art and frescoes. That said, the ride into the middle of the bay — you’re surrounded by mountains, and the small motor boat is private and easy to drive, a smiling captain like Igor will let you take the wheel — is almost better."

"Eat a light breakfast at home, an omelet filled with Montenegrin cheeses and spinach, because you’ll want to head to Portonovi Village, a new resort community filled with Venetian-style mansions, luxury shops and art galleries located at the mouth of the bay (about a half hour drive from Perast along the coast)."

"With a lunch reservation at Sabia, which is led by the Michelin-starred chef Giorgio Locatelli and located inside the newly opened One&Only hotel, you get access to perhaps the most beautiful view of Boka Bay. To start, order from the raw bar. They have a sea bass carpaccio that’s topped with pomegranate and lime dressing and locally sourced crudo vegetables. For your main, get the homemade twisted pasta with pesto or char-grilled langoustines."

"Head to Budva, which is about thirty minutes by taxi. Check into your Airbnb — there are nice luxury hotel options like Duckley Hotel or Slavija Budva Hotel and boutique spots like Hotel Budva, but a bright and central studio apartment with a garden that’s right outside of Old Town and a short walk from shops, supermarkets and the beach goes for under $50 a night."

"Then, eat at Caffe Bar Hemingway in the Hotel Majestic for lunch (get the caesar salad and a gin cocktail a la Ernest)."

"Walk along the promenade, and catch a taxi boat to Sveti Nikola Island (they dock at every beach in Budva), also known as Hawaii (named for the water around it, which is crystal clear blue). For three euros, you’ll arrive at the most stunning stretch of land which has three beaches, a bar and restaurant, a forest (with plenty of wildlife on it, like deer and rabbits) and cliffs that jut out from the Adriatic — perfect for diving (or for watching locals dive!)."

"Back on the promenade, dine at Porto, a plant-filled Mediterranean restaurant on the water. Get the seafood platter, which features locally caught fresh fish."

"Walk around Old Town and end the night with a chocolate and vanilla ice cream sundae at The Prince, a tucked-away pub with a stone courtyard filled with pink flowers and grape vines."

"Make breakfast at home and jump in a taxi for six or seven euros to Crvena Glavica, which is just south of Sveti Stefan Isle, a fortified fishing village dating back to the 15th century that’s in the middle of the Adriatic Sea."

"Fifty euros buys you a sunbed and a bottle of prosecco, and you’ll get free reign to perhaps the most beautiful stretch of water in Montenegro."