0:00:02 > 0:00:03Hello and welcome to Getaways,
0:00:03 > 0:00:05the show where we go where you want us to go.
0:00:05 > 0:00:07This week we come to Montenegro,
0:00:07 > 0:00:10Europe's newest and one of its smallest countries.
0:00:10 > 0:00:14On our website, we asked you for your recommendations.
0:00:14 > 0:00:17What to do here and what to avoid.
0:00:17 > 0:00:20We've taken a look at your recommendations
0:00:20 > 0:00:23and we're going to rate and review them for ourselves and for you at home.
0:00:27 > 0:00:30Coming up, we visit the beaches and towns along the Budva Riviera,
0:00:30 > 0:00:36head inland to the mountains to visit one of Montenegro's spectacular parks
0:00:36 > 0:00:42and I take a short getaway closer to home, around Strangford Lough in County Down.
0:00:42 > 0:00:45To get to Montenegro you can fly from Belfast or Dublin
0:00:45 > 0:00:47to Dubrovnik in Croatia.
0:00:47 > 0:00:49You then drive across the border into Montenegro.
0:00:49 > 0:00:53We then headed to the coastal resort of Budva.
0:00:53 > 0:00:55Montenegro was part of the former Yugoslavia
0:00:55 > 0:00:58but declared independence from Serbia in 2006.
0:00:58 > 0:01:02Just south of Croatia, it's also bordered by Bosnia,
0:01:02 > 0:01:03Albania and Serbia.
0:01:03 > 0:01:08It's about the same size as Northern Ireland, but that's where the similarities end.
0:01:08 > 0:01:13It has a Mediterranean climate, and in July and August you can get temperatures around 30 degrees.
0:01:13 > 0:01:18Think more Italy, Spain, not so much Antrim or Down.
0:01:18 > 0:01:21Once the summer playground of the former Eastern bloc,
0:01:21 > 0:01:26Montenegro is fast becoming a new holiday destination for Irish and UK holiday-makers.
0:01:28 > 0:01:30So, Aoibhinn, what do you know about Montenegro?
0:01:30 > 0:01:33I know very little about this country but a few of my friends
0:01:33 > 0:01:35have been here on holiday and they really enjoyed it.
0:01:35 > 0:01:38Most people's frame of reference is the film Casino Royale.
0:01:38 > 0:01:41People think it was filmed here, it was actually just set here.
0:01:41 > 0:01:43They shot it in the Czech Republic.
0:01:43 > 0:01:45So we know less about Montenegro than we thought we did.
0:01:45 > 0:01:47Yes, yes.
0:01:50 > 0:01:53Our first port of call is the Budva Riviera,
0:01:53 > 0:01:55the most visited part of Montenegro.
0:01:55 > 0:01:57It's a 35km-stretch of beaches
0:01:57 > 0:02:01and sheltered bays on Montenegro's Adriatic coast.
0:02:03 > 0:02:06In the '60s and '70s, this part of Montenegro
0:02:06 > 0:02:09was one of the most glamorous destinations on the Adriatic
0:02:09 > 0:02:13and attracted a glitzy posse of European royalty, celebrities
0:02:13 > 0:02:14and Hollywood film stars.
0:02:16 > 0:02:19Budva is the place that gives the Riviera its name,
0:02:19 > 0:02:22and it's the poster child of Montenegro tourism.
0:02:22 > 0:02:25With its mix of luxury hotels, restaurants and bars
0:02:25 > 0:02:28and an old town that can trace its history back 2,000 years.
0:02:30 > 0:02:33There are around 17 beaches along this coastline.
0:02:33 > 0:02:35Many of them are pebble and shingle
0:02:35 > 0:02:38but you will find sandy stretches too.
0:02:38 > 0:02:42Mogren Beach is one of the main beaches.
0:02:42 > 0:02:46Mogren Beach is actually two beaches connected by a tunnel beneath the cliffs.
0:02:46 > 0:02:49It's lovely and pretty and there's a great view of the mountains,
0:02:49 > 0:02:52but it's incredibly packed.
0:02:52 > 0:02:57But for me, the little city beach underneath the walls of the old town is my absolute favourite.
0:02:59 > 0:03:01We were here in the height of summer
0:03:01 > 0:03:03and as you can see it gets pretty hectic.
0:03:03 > 0:03:05There's one way to make sure you get the sunbed you want,
0:03:05 > 0:03:07but you might have to pay the price.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10The western end of the beach is reserved for hotel guests only,
0:03:10 > 0:03:14but if the 7,000 euro a night for the presidential suite
0:03:14 > 0:03:18of the Hotel Splendid is beyond your budget, don't fret.
0:03:18 > 0:03:21The east end of the beach has the same sun, the same sand
0:03:21 > 0:03:25and the same water, and you can get two sunbeds and an umbrella
0:03:25 > 0:03:27for five euros a day. Bargain.
0:03:28 > 0:03:32It is a really nice beach. In fact, it won the Grand Palm award
0:03:32 > 0:03:36for most beautiful beach in Europe. Then again, that was back in 1935.
0:03:36 > 0:03:39If you are coming to Montenegro, you will undoubtedly hear it
0:03:39 > 0:03:41described as "undiscovered."
0:03:41 > 0:03:44Believe me, it has been very much discovered, mainly by Russians.
0:03:49 > 0:03:53But it is possible to get away from the crowds on Budva's beaches.
0:03:53 > 0:03:56Known as the Stari Grad, Budva's walled town
0:03:56 > 0:03:59is one of the oldest settlements on the Adriatic.
0:03:59 > 0:04:03You told us that Budva Old Town was a must-see,
0:04:03 > 0:04:05and it's only five minutes from the beach,
0:04:05 > 0:04:07so you have absolutely no excuse to get off your sun lounger
0:04:07 > 0:04:10and come wandering in the maze of streets and squares.
0:04:11 > 0:04:13Budva is mentioned in the history books
0:04:13 > 0:04:16as far back as the 4th century BC.
0:04:16 > 0:04:19It's been governed over time by many different powers,
0:04:19 > 0:04:23including the Greeks, Romans, Turks, Bosnians, Serbians,
0:04:23 > 0:04:26the Venetian Republic and the Austro-Hungarian Empire,
0:04:26 > 0:04:27to name but a few!
0:04:29 > 0:04:32Budva was almost completely destroyed by an earthquake in 1979,
0:04:32 > 0:04:36but it's impossible to tell, because it was painstakingly rebuilt
0:04:36 > 0:04:39stone by stone in the 1980s.
0:04:41 > 0:04:44In Budva Old Town, you'll find beautiful churches to visit,
0:04:44 > 0:04:47as well as streets filled with quaint little shops,
0:04:47 > 0:04:50where you can find souvenirs and knick-knacks.
0:04:50 > 0:04:53There are also plenty of good places to grab a bite, ranging from cheap
0:04:53 > 0:04:56and cheerful cafes to more upmarket options.
0:05:02 > 0:05:04The old town is a fabulous place to spend the afternoon.
0:05:04 > 0:05:07It's got a really laid-back, casual atmosphere to it,
0:05:07 > 0:05:12and it's very authentic, especially when you contrast it with the modern resort part of town.
0:05:14 > 0:05:17As Budva is the tourism capital of Montenegro,
0:05:17 > 0:05:19it is, of course, a busy resort,
0:05:19 > 0:05:23but there are quiet corners where you can just relax and chill out.
0:05:27 > 0:05:2820 minutes down the coast,
0:05:28 > 0:05:31you'll find another spot that, if you can afford it,
0:05:31 > 0:05:35will let you escape the maddening crowd.
0:05:35 > 0:05:38This is Sveti Stefan, one of Montenegro's best-known islands
0:05:38 > 0:05:41and if you pick up a holiday brochure for Montenegro,
0:05:41 > 0:05:42it's what you'll always see.
0:05:43 > 0:05:48It's a landmark that epitomises Montenegro's burgeoning tourist industry.
0:05:50 > 0:05:53The island was turned into a luxury resort in the 1950s,
0:05:53 > 0:05:57and in its heyday in the '60s and '70s it was the place
0:05:57 > 0:06:01in Montenegro for the rich and famous to see and be seen.
0:06:01 > 0:06:04Sveti Stefan was recently reopened
0:06:04 > 0:06:06and once again it's become a Mecca for A-listers.
0:06:06 > 0:06:10Built in 1442 as a fortified fishing village,
0:06:10 > 0:06:13it's one of the most iconic images of Montenegro.
0:06:15 > 0:06:17The whole island is now an upmarket private resort.
0:06:17 > 0:06:20If you've got the big bucks you can rent the whole thing as a group.
0:06:20 > 0:06:23There are different types of accommodation,
0:06:23 > 0:06:25including village rooms, cottages and suites.
0:06:25 > 0:06:29We're not allowed to film on the island because it's for residents only,
0:06:29 > 0:06:32but you can stay there as a holiday-maker if you so wish,
0:06:32 > 0:06:35and you have 900 euros a night to spare.
0:06:36 > 0:06:39There's a beach on either side of the causeway to the island.
0:06:39 > 0:06:41The north beach is for residents only,
0:06:41 > 0:06:45but the south beach is open to the public and is one of the most beautiful in the region.
0:06:51 > 0:06:55Another place that's attracting well-heeled tourists
0:06:55 > 0:06:56is Porto Montenegro.
0:06:56 > 0:06:59About half an hour's drive north of Budva, Porto Montenegro
0:06:59 > 0:07:04is an upmarket resort, which is being developed around a smart new marina.
0:07:05 > 0:07:08Designed to rival Monte Carlo and Cannes,
0:07:08 > 0:07:10Porto Montenegro opened in 2009
0:07:10 > 0:07:14and attracts a mix of high-flyers, celebrities and Russian oligarchs.
0:07:16 > 0:07:20Porto Montenegro was once the deep sea harbour for the Yugoslavian navy.
0:07:20 > 0:07:23Today, a reminder of its military past are the two submarines
0:07:23 > 0:07:26resplendent in navy blue.
0:07:29 > 0:07:32If you aren't staying here but you fancy a wee taste of the high life,
0:07:32 > 0:07:35you can come along and spend the day at the Puro beach club.
0:07:35 > 0:07:39I see you've beaten me to it. Comfy?
0:07:39 > 0:07:44The beds are 30 euro a day. I'm OK, I'll just stand here.
0:07:47 > 0:07:51Porto Montenegro's marina allows you to find somewhere quiet
0:07:51 > 0:07:52away from the beach.
0:07:52 > 0:07:54It's a cool way to get a taste of the high life
0:07:54 > 0:07:56and escape the hoi polloi.
0:08:01 > 0:08:04Montenegro's history has been shaped by its seafaring past
0:08:04 > 0:08:08and we reckon a day trip to the historic port town of Perast
0:08:08 > 0:08:09should definitely be on your agenda.
0:08:12 > 0:08:14In the 17th and 18th centuries,
0:08:14 > 0:08:16Perast was an important maritime centre,
0:08:16 > 0:08:19ruled by the City Republic of Venice.
0:08:19 > 0:08:21Students came from all over the world
0:08:21 > 0:08:24to study at its prestigious naval college.
0:08:24 > 0:08:27At one stage, there were four shipyards
0:08:27 > 0:08:30and a fleet of up to 1,000 ships, but now all that's left
0:08:30 > 0:08:33are the baroque palaces that were built by the important local families
0:08:33 > 0:08:35and the wealthy mariners of the 17th century.
0:08:38 > 0:08:41Palata Buiovich, now the Museum of Perast,
0:08:41 > 0:08:45was built by the architect Giovanni Batista Fontana from Venice,
0:08:45 > 0:08:49and the story goes that when the owner, Vicko Buiovich, asked Giovanni
0:08:49 > 0:08:52if he could build an even more beautiful palace, Giovanni said yes
0:08:52 > 0:08:54and Vicko threw him off the balcony. Tough gig.
0:08:58 > 0:09:02You recommended that we get a water taxi out to Gospa od Skrpjela,
0:09:02 > 0:09:05or Our Lady of the Rocks island. That's a bit easier to say.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11From Perast, Our Lady of the Rocks island
0:09:11 > 0:09:13can be reached by a regular boat service.
0:09:13 > 0:09:17The ticket is only three euro and the trip takes just a few minutes.
0:09:21 > 0:09:25The island was built by locals in the 15th century around a rocky crag
0:09:25 > 0:09:28and construction began with the hulls of scuttled ships.
0:09:28 > 0:09:32The island is now reinforced by an annual stone-dropping ritual.
0:09:32 > 0:09:36Every year on the 22nd July, the locals bring stones in their boat
0:09:36 > 0:09:38and drop them into the sea around the island.
0:09:38 > 0:09:40This custom has both symbolic and practical meaning,
0:09:40 > 0:09:44because the stones reinforce the island, which is constantly being eroded by the sea.
0:09:49 > 0:09:53And the church on Our Lady of the Rocks has a real romantic pull.
0:09:53 > 0:09:56This is one of the most popular wedding venues in Montenegro,
0:09:56 > 0:09:58and you can see why.
0:10:08 > 0:10:11Around the walls of the church is a unique collection
0:10:11 > 0:10:14of silver votive plaques featuring relief images of ships
0:10:14 > 0:10:17from the Gulf of Kotor.
0:10:17 > 0:10:21The other fascinating thing about this island is that the small square
0:10:21 > 0:10:25in front of the church is known as "the place of reconciliation".
0:10:25 > 0:10:28Historically, local people used to come out here to settle
0:10:28 > 0:10:31their quarrels and disputes instead of going through the court system.
0:10:35 > 0:10:38If you're not into going abroad this year, you might want to try
0:10:38 > 0:10:40a short break a bit closer to home. Check this out.
0:10:43 > 0:10:46This week I'm taking a trip to Strangford Lough in County Down
0:10:46 > 0:10:51to find out why this area is popular with both locals and tourists alike.
0:10:51 > 0:10:55Strangford Lough is the largest sea lough in the British Isles
0:10:55 > 0:10:57and one of only three marine nature reserves in the UK.
0:10:57 > 0:11:02It's a great place for kayaking, sailing, fishing, or just taking in the scenery.
0:11:03 > 0:11:07The inner lough is calm and quiet and it's a great place for watersports
0:11:07 > 0:11:11or picnicking in one of the islands, but at this narrowest point,
0:11:11 > 0:11:13the tidal currents are vicious.
0:11:14 > 0:11:18This stretch of water that connects Strangford Lough to the open sea
0:11:18 > 0:11:19is known as The Narrows,
0:11:19 > 0:11:23and it has one of the strongest tidal currents in Europe.
0:11:23 > 0:11:26In fact, the name Strangford was coined by Viking invaders
0:11:26 > 0:11:29and it means "the strong fjord".
0:11:29 > 0:11:33On board the ferry that crosses The Narrows between Strangford
0:11:33 > 0:11:35and Portaferry, you can really appreciate the skill
0:11:35 > 0:11:39of the ferry captain in negotiating the fierce currents.
0:11:44 > 0:11:48On the east side of the Lough, you'll find Mount Stewart,
0:11:48 > 0:11:51an 18th-century National Trust property,
0:11:51 > 0:11:53which is famous for its gardens.
0:11:55 > 0:11:59In gardening terms, Mount Stewart Gardens are actually quite young.
0:11:59 > 0:12:03They were designed and planted by Edith, Lady Londonderry in the 1920s,
0:12:03 > 0:12:07but it's the way they reflect her personality that makes it so unique.
0:12:07 > 0:12:11Lady Londonderry had no formal training in horticulture
0:12:11 > 0:12:15or landscaping but managed to create a sub-tropical garden that has
0:12:15 > 0:12:18become known for rare and exotic plants that flourish
0:12:18 > 0:12:21in Strangford Lough's temperate climate.
0:12:21 > 0:12:24Lady Londonderry also went to India and was so impressed
0:12:24 > 0:12:27by the monkeys kept by the maharajas that she
0:12:27 > 0:12:30incorporated them into statues all along one of the gardens.
0:12:32 > 0:12:35I really love how exotic and colourful and creative
0:12:35 > 0:12:39these gardens are, and Lady Londonderry has included herself
0:12:39 > 0:12:42all over the place. She's even there in the topiary.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48On the other side of the Lough you'll find Killyleagh -
0:12:48 > 0:12:51a popular stop-off point on the shores of Strangford Lough,
0:12:51 > 0:12:54distinguished by its fairy-tale castle.
0:12:54 > 0:12:57There are lovely walks nearby and some good places to eat.
0:12:59 > 0:13:02It is also the birthplace of Hans Sloane,
0:13:02 > 0:13:05an 18th-century philanthropist who, among other things,
0:13:05 > 0:13:08invented milk chocolate drinks, which, in my book,
0:13:08 > 0:13:11is a good enough reason for erecting a statue in his honour.
0:13:13 > 0:13:16There are plenty of places to eat dotted around Strangford Lough,
0:13:16 > 0:13:20but few can compare with Daft Eddy's on Sketrick Island for its location.
0:13:23 > 0:13:26The restaurant is on an island accessed by a narrow causeway
0:13:26 > 0:13:30and overlooks the remains of a 15th-century castle.
0:13:30 > 0:13:33A perfect spot to sit back and enjoy the views.
0:13:36 > 0:13:40Strangford Lough and the surrounding countryside has always been
0:13:40 > 0:13:41a tourist destination.
0:13:41 > 0:13:44This was encouraged with the development of the railways
0:13:44 > 0:13:45in the 19th century.
0:13:45 > 0:13:49One line that played a vital role in the promotion of tourism
0:13:49 > 0:13:52in this area was the Belfast and County Down railway.
0:13:52 > 0:13:55Today, you can experience the golden age of train travel
0:13:55 > 0:13:58by taking a trip on the Downpatrick steam train.
0:14:01 > 0:14:05The steam train runs along a restored section of the Belfast
0:14:05 > 0:14:08and County Down Railway through the Downpatrick Marshes.
0:14:08 > 0:14:10The journey takes about ten minutes
0:14:10 > 0:14:12and runs from Downpatrick to Inch Abbey.
0:14:15 > 0:14:17George is the conductor on the train
0:14:17 > 0:14:20and he fell in love with railways when he was a small boy.
0:14:20 > 0:14:24A steam train is actually, unlike a diesel,
0:14:24 > 0:14:26it's a living thing, and as youngsters,
0:14:26 > 0:14:30I can remember well, and on a train that's travelling at maybe
0:14:30 > 0:14:3340-50mph, we used to make up little rhymes,
0:14:33 > 0:14:36as it went along, clickety-clickety-clickety.
0:14:36 > 0:14:39It's the comfort, the rocking.
0:14:39 > 0:14:44I can remember when I was a child, going on Sunday school excursions
0:14:44 > 0:14:48and going to Newcastle. That was on the old Belfast-County Down railway.
0:14:48 > 0:14:51It's on this line here where we are today.
0:14:53 > 0:14:57That's a lovely, old-fashioned way to travel and a short step back in time.
0:14:58 > 0:15:01Along the western shore of Strangford Lough
0:15:01 > 0:15:03is Castle Espie Wetland Centre.
0:15:03 > 0:15:07This is one of Northern Ireland's top conservation-led visitor attractions
0:15:07 > 0:15:09and it's home to the largest collection of ducks,
0:15:09 > 0:15:11geese and swans in Ireland.
0:15:15 > 0:15:18There is a state-of-the-art visitor centre with learning displays,
0:15:18 > 0:15:22a restaurant and, of course, a gift shop.
0:15:22 > 0:15:25Once you check in, you can grab a map and seed to feed the birds
0:15:25 > 0:15:27and then you're ready to go.
0:15:27 > 0:15:32The centre is open 363 days a year and there's always something
0:15:32 > 0:15:36different to do and see, so check the website for family activities.
0:15:38 > 0:15:41Many of the wildfowl are endangered species
0:15:41 > 0:15:43and are hand-reared to ensure their survival.
0:15:46 > 0:15:48Visitors are encouraged to get up-close
0:15:48 > 0:15:51and personal with the wildlife.
0:15:51 > 0:15:53That's really tickly.
0:15:53 > 0:15:55During the autumn, Strangford Lough is famous
0:15:55 > 0:15:59for the Brent Geese that migrate here in their thousands, and in the summer
0:15:59 > 0:16:03it's home to a huge number of ducklings, goslings and cygnets.
0:16:05 > 0:16:09This observatory was created from an old lime kiln,
0:16:09 > 0:16:12a legacy of the Victorian brickworks that was once here,
0:16:12 > 0:16:15but it's also a really nice spot to get a view of Strangford Lough.
0:16:15 > 0:16:19There's a range of habitats and there are hides and information
0:16:19 > 0:16:24points all around the reserve so you always know what you're looking at.
0:16:24 > 0:16:27Well, Castle Espie is a great example of eco-tourism,
0:16:27 > 0:16:31and it's surprisingly a lot more interesting and fun than I thought it would be.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34I definitely think you'd enjoy a day out here with the kids.
0:16:37 > 0:16:40If you fancy somewhere to stay that's a little different,
0:16:40 > 0:16:42then I would recommend Helen's Tower,
0:16:42 > 0:16:46a three-storey stone tower on the Clandeboye Estate.
0:16:46 > 0:16:50This definitely appeals to my inner princess.
0:16:50 > 0:16:53On a clear day you can see Belfast Lough to the north
0:16:53 > 0:16:55and Strangford Lough to the south.
0:16:57 > 0:17:00I like the balance of conservation and convenience here
0:17:00 > 0:17:05but it only sleeps two and it's not really a place to bring the kids.
0:17:05 > 0:17:09It costs from £180 for a two-night weekend stay.
0:17:13 > 0:17:16So that was Strangford Lough and now we're back in the Balkans.
0:17:16 > 0:17:19where this week we're taking a getaway in Montenegro.
0:17:22 > 0:17:25So far we've checked out the main tourist beaches,
0:17:25 > 0:17:27seen the shiny new marinas,
0:17:27 > 0:17:30explored the medieval streets of Budva Old Town
0:17:30 > 0:17:33and seen some of Montenegro's iconic sights.
0:17:41 > 0:17:45On Getaways, we like to show you hidden gems and to let you see why
0:17:45 > 0:17:48you should definitely give up a day on the beach to explore.
0:17:48 > 0:17:52Away from the coast, the interior of Montenegro is almost entirely
0:17:52 > 0:17:55mountainous - the name Montenegro means "Black Mountain".
0:17:55 > 0:17:59Some of the last bears and lynx in Europe hide away in these hills.
0:18:01 > 0:18:03Montenegro has been quick to capitalise
0:18:03 > 0:18:07on the rugged countryside's appeal to hikers, bikers and eco-tourists.
0:18:07 > 0:18:10You can do everything here, from kayaking to horse riding.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13And there's another adrenaline sport that's becoming
0:18:13 > 0:18:15massively popular here - white water rafting -
0:18:15 > 0:18:20and the Tara River Canyon is one of the sport's prime destinations.
0:18:20 > 0:18:23Ryan McLennan from Newry described it as "death defying".
0:18:23 > 0:18:25It looks relatively calm now, this is July.
0:18:25 > 0:18:29If you come to do this April and May, just after the thaw of snow
0:18:29 > 0:18:32up in the mountains, this is a watery roller coaster.
0:18:33 > 0:18:37The Tara River Canyon is the longest and deepest river canyon in Europe.
0:18:37 > 0:18:41In fact, at 1,300 metres, it's said to be only slightly less deep
0:18:41 > 0:18:44than the Grand Canyon in America - now that's deep.
0:18:49 > 0:18:52Montenegro's also got the biggest freshwater lake
0:18:52 > 0:18:55in the Balkans and if you're looking for a quieter day out
0:18:55 > 0:18:58then we'd recommend an excursion to Lake Skadar,
0:18:58 > 0:19:00part of the Skadar National Park,
0:19:00 > 0:19:03one of Montenegro's four National Park areas.
0:19:03 > 0:19:06The village of Rijeka Crnojevica
0:19:06 > 0:19:10was once the favourite summer retreat of the court of King Nikola,
0:19:10 > 0:19:13Montenegro's only king, but nowadays it's a great jumping off point
0:19:13 > 0:19:16for kayaking and boat trips on Lake Skadar.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24A boat trip is a good way to take in the scenery
0:19:24 > 0:19:27and to see the National Park's flora and fauna.
0:19:27 > 0:19:30This is actually one of Europe's biggest bird reserves.
0:19:30 > 0:19:33Expect to pay around ten euro for an hour's trip on the lake.
0:19:33 > 0:19:37Even if you have the most casual interest in ornithology,
0:19:37 > 0:19:41this place is a dream for you. Over 240 different species of bird here.
0:19:41 > 0:19:46If you're lucky, you'll see one of the last pelicans in Europe around here.
0:19:46 > 0:19:49I just loved it because it was just so relaxing.
0:19:49 > 0:19:51It was absolutely gorgeous. I loved it.
0:19:51 > 0:19:54The mountains are an option for the holiday-maker looking for an
0:19:54 > 0:19:58escape from the crowds and here's another of our recommendations.
0:20:00 > 0:20:02Montenegro is a multi-faith country.
0:20:02 > 0:20:06the dominant religion here is Eastern Orthodox Christianity.
0:20:06 > 0:20:09I wanted to visit the rather special monastery of Moraca,
0:20:09 > 0:20:12which is small, but perfectly formed.
0:20:14 > 0:20:17One of Montenegro's most important monasteries, Moraca,
0:20:17 > 0:20:20was founded in 1252.
0:20:39 > 0:20:42Tourists come here in their droves, mainly to see
0:20:42 > 0:20:46the 15th-century frescoes, which are absolutely stunning.
0:20:46 > 0:20:49But for Montenegrins, this monastery has a special significance,
0:20:49 > 0:20:51because during the 500 years of Ottoman rule,
0:20:51 > 0:20:55the monks here kept the local traditions alive.
0:21:00 > 0:21:04Catherine McGinnis from Belfast is just one of the many of you
0:21:04 > 0:21:08who described Montenegro's mountains as "breathtaking".
0:21:08 > 0:21:11They feel very undiscovered, and to me,
0:21:11 > 0:21:16this feels like one of the final frontiers in European tourism.
0:21:16 > 0:21:20We've picked our top activities to do here
0:21:20 > 0:21:23and my first option is to find a four-legged friend.
0:21:23 > 0:21:26The only way to really see the mountains
0:21:26 > 0:21:30is to get an alternative form of transport, and activity holidays
0:21:30 > 0:21:33are becoming increasingly popular here. It's really to organise
0:21:33 > 0:21:37a day's horse racing with one of the adventure companies.
0:21:38 > 0:21:43We took a three-hour trek through the mountains at a relaxed pace.
0:21:43 > 0:21:46There's still some way to go to meet European standards.
0:21:46 > 0:21:50For instance, you get a cycling helmet rather than a proper riding hat.
0:21:52 > 0:21:56You can hire a horse here for around 75 euro for three hours,
0:21:56 > 0:21:57with lunch thrown in.
0:22:02 > 0:22:05And finding a place to eat is an adventure in itself,
0:22:05 > 0:22:07with somewhere pretty authentic for a stop off.
0:22:07 > 0:22:10This is most definitely not a fast-food joint.
0:22:10 > 0:22:14Traditionally, farmers moved their livestock to mountain passages
0:22:14 > 0:22:17for the summer, although this happens less and less.
0:22:17 > 0:22:19This is a typical katun, or summer farmhouse,
0:22:19 > 0:22:23and my guide has arranged for me to have a traditional Montenegrin dish called kacamak.
0:22:26 > 0:22:29Kacamak is prepared with corn meal, cream,
0:22:29 > 0:22:34cheese or sour cream, potatoes and peppers, and making it
0:22:34 > 0:22:36is all a bit of a palaver.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39Not sure what this is going to taste like.
0:22:39 > 0:22:42This family really do live here during the summer and this is
0:22:42 > 0:22:47the way they cook. This isn't something that's just laid on for tourists.
0:22:47 > 0:22:51And if you're looking for a real rustic experience, you can sometimes
0:22:51 > 0:22:55stay at these places as some other katuns have rooms to rent overnight.
0:22:56 > 0:22:59Well, it ends up looking like cheesy champ.
0:23:03 > 0:23:06It's a total carb-fest.
0:23:06 > 0:23:08That's so delicious.
0:23:08 > 0:23:09Thank you.
0:23:09 > 0:23:11And forget the diet!
0:23:11 > 0:23:12That's loads. Real good comfort food.
0:23:12 > 0:23:15This will keep you going for the whole day.
0:23:15 > 0:23:17Potatoes and cheese, you can't beat it.
0:23:17 > 0:23:20All these potatoes are grown in this farm as well.
0:23:25 > 0:23:28That was absolutely idyllic. I feel like I've travelled
0:23:28 > 0:23:31back in time. The countryside is virtually unspoiled.
0:23:31 > 0:23:36It's so quiet. The views are amazing. The flowers are so colourful.
0:23:36 > 0:23:39That was one of the best days I've spent in Montenegro.
0:23:41 > 0:23:42Whilst I was horse riding,
0:23:42 > 0:23:45Joe was exploring the mountains in a different way.
0:23:48 > 0:23:51There aren't many purpose-built mountain biking routes
0:23:51 > 0:23:55as activity tourism is still being developed here but adrenaline sports
0:23:55 > 0:23:59are becoming increasingly popular and this is a fast-growing industry.
0:23:59 > 0:24:01Now there are designated trails here
0:24:01 > 0:24:05but if you're feeling more confident and experienced, you should go
0:24:05 > 0:24:09off-trail, but I do warn you, the terrain can get quite rough.
0:24:09 > 0:24:10Keep your wits about you.
0:24:24 > 0:24:27Back on the coast and I'm visiting a tourist favourite
0:24:27 > 0:24:2815 miles north of Budva.
0:24:28 > 0:24:31It's one of the best fortified towns on the Adriatic.
0:24:31 > 0:24:35Kieran Higgins from Sligo was one of many of you who contacted us
0:24:35 > 0:24:40to tell us that the highlight of their holiday in Montenegro was a trip to Kotor.
0:24:40 > 0:24:42I'm going to check out what's so special about it.
0:24:44 > 0:24:47Once an independent city-republic with its own elected prince
0:24:47 > 0:24:51and senate, over the years, Kotor has changed rulers and occupiers
0:24:51 > 0:24:5514 times, including a brief occupation by Britain
0:24:55 > 0:24:58in 1813 during the Napoleonic Wars.
0:24:59 > 0:25:02I'll not lie to you, it is quite a dander to get up here,
0:25:02 > 0:25:04but I think you'll agree, the view is worth it.
0:25:04 > 0:25:07Kotor's been described as a mini Dubrovnik,
0:25:07 > 0:25:10because of the very distinctive red roofs and the medieval walls.
0:25:10 > 0:25:13In fact, the walls here are twice the length of Dubrovnik's,
0:25:13 > 0:25:16and to be honest, I think it has a charm all of its own.
0:25:18 > 0:25:22The best-known landmark in Kotor is the Cathedral of St Tryphon,
0:25:22 > 0:25:27consecrated in 1166, five centuries before St Paul's
0:25:27 > 0:25:30and 300 years before the discovery of America.
0:25:30 > 0:25:34And did you know St Tryphon is the patron saint of gardeners
0:25:34 > 0:25:35and wine growers?
0:25:35 > 0:25:39I mean, really, if you're a culture vulture or a history buff,
0:25:39 > 0:25:42or you're just the sort of person who loves to wander around
0:25:42 > 0:25:46old medieval streets, sit down, have a coffee, and people watch,
0:25:46 > 0:25:48then Kotor is right up your street.
0:25:48 > 0:25:51It's really quaint and really beautiful.
0:25:53 > 0:25:56Kotor is only a half hour's drive away from Budva,
0:25:56 > 0:25:59but if you do decide to spend the night here, and you could do
0:25:59 > 0:26:02a couple of days here no problem, you will be able to find
0:26:02 > 0:26:05some beautiful, quaint and very reasonable places to stay.
0:26:05 > 0:26:08One of our choices was the Hotel Montecristo,
0:26:08 > 0:26:11slap bang in the historic town centre.
0:26:12 > 0:26:17One week's bed and breakfast here will cost from £656 per person,
0:26:17 > 0:26:19that's based on two people sharing.
0:26:24 > 0:26:27There are a good range of places to stay in Montenegro,
0:26:27 > 0:26:29both on the coast and in the mountains.
0:26:29 > 0:26:32So where else to stay when you're on holiday here?
0:26:32 > 0:26:37On the Budva Riviera, we based ourselves at the Slovenska Plaza.
0:26:37 > 0:26:39The Slovenska Plaza's actually more like a holiday village than
0:26:39 > 0:26:43a traditional hotel. It's got three and four-star rooms
0:26:43 > 0:26:45that open out onto this street with loads of cafes, bars
0:26:45 > 0:26:48and even mini supermarkets.
0:26:48 > 0:26:50The holiday complex is family-friendly
0:26:50 > 0:26:54and we found food and drink to be cheaper than other European resorts.
0:26:54 > 0:26:57The rooms are smart and modern
0:26:57 > 0:26:59and a good value option.
0:26:59 > 0:27:03One week's half board here will cost from £518 per person,
0:27:03 > 0:27:05that's based on two people sharing.
0:27:05 > 0:27:08This price includes flights and transfers.
0:27:08 > 0:27:11When we were in the mountains, we based ourselves at the Bianca Resort
0:27:11 > 0:27:16and Spa Hotel in Kolasin, which is a ski destination in the winter.
0:27:16 > 0:27:19The five-star Hotel Bianca was once owned by the state
0:27:19 > 0:27:22and it was renovated in 2006.
0:27:22 > 0:27:25One night's bed and breakfast
0:27:25 > 0:27:29will cost from £80 a room, that's based on two people sharing.
0:27:30 > 0:27:33If you can afford to splash the cash
0:27:33 > 0:27:36and you're looking for a luxury option with a great private beach,
0:27:36 > 0:27:40then the Hotel Splendid might be just what you're looking for.
0:27:40 > 0:27:42The rooms are what you'd expect from a five-star,
0:27:42 > 0:27:44with lots of luxurious touches.
0:27:45 > 0:27:48One week's bed and breakfast at the Hotel Splendid
0:27:48 > 0:27:51costs from £798 per person.
0:27:51 > 0:27:55This price is for two people sharing and includes flights and transfers.
0:27:55 > 0:27:59We booked our hotels and flights to Montenegro with Croatia Tours.
0:27:59 > 0:28:03For more information on any of our holidays, please visit...
0:28:07 > 0:28:10- So what's the verdict? - I loved this place.
0:28:10 > 0:28:13The beaches are great but I really recommend coming into the mountains.
0:28:13 > 0:28:15Now, it is a bit rough around the edges
0:28:15 > 0:28:18but it's got plenty of potential and loads of character.
0:28:18 > 0:28:21We came here knowing very little about the place, but I have to say,
0:28:21 > 0:28:24I am very much in love with Montenegro. The people here
0:28:24 > 0:28:26are friendly, funny, similar to the folk back home.
0:28:26 > 0:28:29My advice would be, come here before everyone else does.
0:28:29 > 0:28:31See you next time on Getaways.