From Budva: Phoenix Town & Town of Pirates in One Day

Exploring Montenegro’s Hidden Gems: Phoenix Town & Town of Pirates in One Day

This tour offers a fascinating glimpse into Montenegro’s layered history, combining visits to the ancient Old Towns of Bar and Ulcinj with scenic viewpoints and cultural insights. It’s a balanced mix of history, stunning landscapes, and stories of pirates and civilizations that have shaped these towns over centuries. While you’ll enjoy a well-organized day with knowledgeable guides, be prepared for a busy schedule and limited free time for exploring on your own.

What we particularly appreciate about this experience is its focus on authentic sites that tell stories beyond typical tourist spots—like the Old Olive Tree, which stands as Montenegro’s only natural monument. The scenic drives through olive groves and coastal views are a highlight, offering endless photo opportunities. The tour’s value for money shines through the inclusion of entrance tickets and a professional guide, making it accessible for travelers eager to absorb history without extra planning. A possible consideration is the six-hour duration, which might feel rushed if you love lingering longer in each location.

This tour is ideal for history buffs, culture lovers, or anyone wanting a comprehensive snapshot of Montenegro’s past in a single day. It’s perfect if you prefer guided experiences that combine storytelling with scenic vistas rather than just wandering on your own.

Good To Know

• Authentic Historic Sites: Visit UNESCO-listed Old Town of Bar and the pirate-infused Old Town of Ulcinj.
• Cultural Stories: Learn about the civilizations that shaped these towns and their connection to pirates and migration.
• Scenic Views: Enjoy a viewpoint over Valdanos Beach and the lush olive groves.
• Inclusion & Convenience: Entrance fees to key sites and a licensed guide are included, providing good value.
• Limited Free Time: The tour is structured to maximize sightseeing within six hours, so expect a busy schedule.
• Authentic Experience: Walk through streets that have seen history from all civilizations except Austro-Hungarian influence, offering a genuine feel for Montenegro’s past.

You can check if your dates are available here:

A Closer Look at the Tour Itinerary

The adventure begins with a pickup from Budva, where you’ll board a comfortable, high-class vehicle—whether a car, van, or bus—ready for a day of exploration. The first stop is a viewpoint above Valdanos Beach, where panoramic vistas of the coast stretch out before you. This spot sets the tone for the day—expect stunning scenery and photo opportunities with the clear blue waters and rugged coastline as the backdrop.

From there, the journey takes you inland toward Old Town Ulcinj, a place steeped in pirate lore and historical stories. As you pass through one of Montenegro’s most beautiful olive groves, the Old Olive Tree monument awaits. This natural monument is not just a pretty sight; it’s a symbol of Montenegro’s ancient olive cultivation, and it testifies to the region’s agricultural heritage. Several reviews note that the House of Olives provides additional insights into olive production and local traditions, making the stop educational as well as scenic.

Ulcinj’s Old Town is a treasure for history lovers. The narrow, winding streets whisper tales of pirates, trade, and slavery. Ulcinj was once a notorious pirate base and had a significant slave market. Tour guides often share stories about the infamous pirates and the town’s strategic location on the Adriatic. One traveler was surprised to learn about a famous Spanish writer, Miguel de Cervantes, whose monument is in Ulcinj, adding an unexpected literary twist to the pirate history.

After exploring Ulcinj, the tour moves towards Old Town Bar, located approximately 4.5 km from the coast. This site is Montenegro’s largest open-air archaeological site, with remnants of over 250 different types of buildings—each telling a story of the many civilizations that occupied this strategic location. Visitors can wander the streets and imagine the bustling port that once thrived there, now an open-air museum. Entrance to the fortress is included, allowing you to explore its walls and towers at your own pace.

Throughout the day, guides do an excellent job of weaving together the stories behind each site. Reviewers frequently mention that their guides were knowledgeable and engaging, making history come alive. One noted, “Our guide’s stories about the pirates and the ancient towns made the experience feel personal and incredibly interesting.” The small-group setting (if applicable) ensures personalized attention and opportunities to ask questions.

The tour ends back at the original meeting point in Budva, leaving you with a comprehensive impression of Montenegro’s coastal history and scenic landscapes.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Value for Money: With all entrance fees covered—including Old Town fortress tickets, the Old Olive Tree, and House of Olives—the tour delivers a lot of value for a half-day experience. The professional guide’s narration adds depth that you might not get exploring independently.

Authentic Sites: The focus on historic towns that are UNESCO-listed and the natural monument of the Olive Tree provides a genuine taste of Montenegro’s past and natural beauty.

Spectacular Views: The scenic drive and viewpoints over Valdanos Beach give you a chance to pause and appreciate the region’s natural beauty—ideal for photography.

Educational & Fun: From pirate stories to olive cultivation, the tour balances education with entertainment, making it suitable for families, history enthusiasts, or casual travelers.

Comfort & Convenience: Transportation is high quality, and the guided approach takes the hassle out of planning, especially for travelers unfamiliar with Montenegro.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who are eager to understand Montenegro beyond its beaches—those curious about history, pirates, and ancient civilizations. It’s especially appealing if you enjoy guided tours that combine storytelling with visual highlights. It also works well for those who want a structured day without the stress of organizing multiple sites independently.

However, if you prefer more free time or want to explore at your own pace, this might feel a bit rushed. The six-hour schedule has a packed itinerary, but it’s perfect for a taste of Montenegro’s coastal history.

Practical Details

Transportation: Comfortable, high-class vehicles—either a car, van, or bus—ensure a smooth ride between sites.

Duration: Around 6 hours—check availability for specific starting times.

Inclusions: Entrance tickets to the fortress, Old Olive Tree, and House of Olives, plus a licensed guide.

Exclusions: Food and drinks are not included, so consider bringing water and snacks for the day.

Meeting Point: Look for the AVE Tours bus, with the tour ending back at the same spot.

Language: Tours are conducted in English, with knowledgeable guides leading the way.

Cancellation Policy: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

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FAQ

Is food included in the tour? No, food and drinks are not included, but there are stops where you can purchase refreshments or bring your own.

How long is the drive between sites? The tour involves some scenic driving, but specific timings for travel are not detailed. Expect a comfortable ride and some short stops along the way.

Are entrance tickets included? Yes, tickets to the Old Town fortress, Old Olive Tree, and House of Olives are included in the price.

Is this tour suitable for children? The tour is generally suitable for older children interested in history and sightseeing. The itinerary may be a bit busy for very young children.

Can I customize the itinerary? The tour is fixed, but guides often share stories and answer questions, making it engaging for curious travelers.

What should I bring? Comfortable walking shoes, water, sunscreen, and a camera for capturing the scenic views.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible? The information provided doesn’t specify accessibility options, so it’s best to contact AVE Tours for confirmation if needed.

Final Thoughts

For travelers seeking a well-rounded introduction to Montenegro’s coastal history, this tour offers a compelling mix of scenic vistas, ancient towns, and intriguing stories. The inclusion of UNESCO-listed sites, the Old Olive Tree monument, and the pirate history of Ulcinj makes it more than just a sightseeing trip—it’s a journey through Montenegro’s cultural tapestry.

The guides’ knowledge and the carefully curated stops help bring the region’s past alive, making it a valuable experience for history enthusiasts and casual travelers alike. While the schedule is tight, the variety of sites and stories packed into six hours ensures you’ll leave with plenty of memorable moments and insights.

If you’re after an authentic, educational, and scenic day out that highlights Montenegro’s unique coastal character, this tour is a worthwhile choice—especially if you enjoy guided experiences that dive into local stories and traditions.

In summary, this tour strikes a good balance between sightseeing and storytelling, offering a meaningful way to grasp Montenegro’s rich cultural fabric without the hassle of planning multiple visits. It’s particularly suited for those who want to maximize their time, learn from knowledgeable guides, and take in some of the most historically significant sites along the coast.

You can check if your dates are available here: