The current situation in the shadow of the war, leads the Israeli tourist to look for new destinations that he has not experienced before. This, with the aim of "clearing the head" in the optimal way. In addition, he is looking to spend his vacation days in a friendly place towards Israelis, where he can feel safe and peaceful, so that he can enjoy himself without unnecessary worries.
He prefers to avoid a destination like Istanbul, which has become more hostile than ever towards Israelis, and is afraid of reaching the largest cities in Europe, where severe and violent demonstrations against the State of Israel have taken place over the past few months. Now, the Israeli tourists are looking towards countries that are waiting to welcome them with open arms. Such that are also attractive, cheap, accessible and easy to plan the trip.
The one that appears to be at the top of this list is undoubtedly Montenegro. The small country, which is only a three-hour flight away from Israel, includes all the parameters that are on the Israelis' list of requirements, and makes it possible to spend a few calm days filled with wonder from the landscapes it includes.
The territory of the country that was once part of Greater Yugoslavia, includes many mountainous areas, and consists of less than 65% of forests. The country is home to less than a million citizens (about 650,000), and its area is relatively small (slightly more than half the area of the State of Israel).
The small area of the country allows you to enjoy all of its destinations without the need for long and exhausting trips. In addition, it would not be an exaggeration to say that in a country that includes so many spectacular landscapes on the roads, even the trips themselves feel like a trip to everything. A factor that definitely adds to the trip experience, and of course makes the trips significantly easier, even if they are comparatively very short.
How to get there?
Eshet Tours operates direct flights to Montenegro during the summer and holidays. For the first time, the company operates direct flights from Israel to the capital city of Montenegro, Podgorica. The company operates three weekly flights to the destination, on Sundays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Also, on Wednesdays, the company operates a weekly flight to the coastal town of Tivat. The flights are operated through the companies Naus and Cordon Airlines for the Tours woman, and will continue until after the holidays at the end of October.
Eshet Tours operates a complete tourist package for the Israeli traveler in Montenegro:
Flights, vacation packages in cycles of 3/4/6/7 nights and organized trips. The price for direct round-trip flights, including baggage, starts at $289.
A vacation package for a 4-star hotel, including flight, Kings Park Hotel, with bed and breakfast and transfers, will cost from $499 per person in a double room, and organized tours will cost from $899. In addition, Eshet Tours offers a variety of options for the independent traveler in Montenegro, including Car rental, transfers, attractions and yachts.
In fact, Eshet Tours company gives the possibility to visit the country, and offers several different options for this. You can book a fully organized trip. But if you want to travel independently, you can book only a flight and a hotel, or just one of these two options.
Kings Park Hotel
One of the recommended hotels in Podgorica is the "Kings Park Hotel" (formerly Nikić Hotel), which is located in the city center. The hotel, which contains 73 rooms, was purchased and renovated by Eshet Tours at a total cost of six million euros.
The hotel is located in the center of Podgorica, only 300 meters from the iconic clock tower. The hotel, named after the central park in the city, is rated 4 stars and offers a variety of services, quality rooms and an area full of leisure. Located on the banks of the Rivnica River, one of the focal points of Podgorica, and in close proximity to many state and local institutions, the Kings Park Hotel is an ideal destination for leisure and business travelers.
Hotel location:
The hotel is located next to the cultural sites of the city, with famous landmarks such as the Parliament of Montenegro, the Museum of Natural History and the iconic Millennium Bridge. Less than half a kilometer away, you can reach the Old Town Stara Varos area of Podgorica, and walk the narrow and ancient streets of the city. Its excellent location ensures that guests can explore the rich history of Podgorica. The hotel is surrounded by a variety of excellent restaurants and a lively nightlife.
The capital Podgorica - and the surprise
Only 12 km from the airport of Podgorica, is the capital city itself. However, those arriving for the first time are in for a surprise. At first glance, it is difficult to recognize that this is indeed the capital city of a European country. Podgorica, which includes about a third of the country's residents, feels For the most part as a quiet and peaceful town, the traffic is relatively low, and gives us the opportunity to experience a pastoral capital city, a concept that is not familiar to travelers in cities like London, Paris and others.
Not only pastoral - when you arrive in Podgorica, you will discover that along with the peaceful atmosphere in large parts of it, the city also provides shopping and entertainment needs. If you are a shopping person, and are not willing to give up the regular shopping during your trip abroad, you can try one or more of the five malls that the city includes: "Delta City", "The capital Plaza", "City Mall", "Bazar", " Mall of Montenegro".
Food and cuisine: in Podgorica you can find a variety of restaurants where you can have dinner or lunch. If you're craving a dairy dinner, you shouldn't miss the "Spaghetti" restaurant. The name may not be very original, but the restaurant includes a wide variety of pastas, pizzas and salads - a dinner you won't regret. Personal recommendation: How simple and delicious it is - go for the "Pomodoro" pasta. A cheap, huge portion, we'll see you manage to finish it.
Fish lovers - you can find the "porto" restaurant in the city. The restaurant serves excellent and affordable fish dishes, as well as meat and pasta dishes. From America with love - until recently, Montenegro protected itself from the entry of American chains. Recently, several chains have started to make their way into the country, one of them being the Hard Rock Cafe chain, one of whose branches is located in the city.
The views of Podgorica
In Montenegro as in Montenegro, the capital city itself becomes a destination for nature and landscapes. Podgorica registers an impressive achievement, this when it ranks as the fifth greenest city in Europe. One of the main natural destinations you can find in the city is the beautiful Rivnica River.
In addition to the many green places that the city includes, you can also experience familiar places in the country, such as the Parliament building and the Millennium Bridge. Another surprise will also await you on a visit near the parliament building, where you will be surprised to find that no security is stationed there. Definitely an unusual spectacle for Israelis, within our daily routine.
Biogradska Gora Park
When you visit Montenegro, the next destination is absolutely one that you should not miss. After about a two-hour drive from the capital Podgorica, you will arrive at the spectacular Biogradska Gora Park, located in the mountain area. In the center of the park, stands a beautiful glacial lake, which, together with the forest that surrounds it, will provide you with one of the most beautiful sights you've ever encountered, no less than that.
The forest that surrounds the lake includes different and varied types of vegetation. When, among other things, there are trees that are hundreds of years old. You can circle the park with an easy and experiential walk, using the circular route, which is about 3.5 kilometers long.
The water of the lake is clear, and although this is not practiced by the locals, it is recommended to equip yourself with a bathing suit during the visit, and go inside for a particularly refreshing and experiential swim. The circular path that surrounds the park is mostly shaded, which ensures that walking in the place will be light, and not under heavy heat and fear of burning from the sun. The many seating areas scattered throughout the park provide the opportunity to stop for a sitting break in the spectacular view.
Personal recommendation: Before you arrive at the place, you should stock up on various supplies for a pampering picnic, and hold it in one of the many seating areas scattered throughout the park, many of which also include tables, on which you can eat comfortably.
Bjelasica mountain range
After visiting Jugradska Gora, and admiring the combination of the glacial lake with the surrounding forest, I had some doubts. Am I going to experience during the time I have left to spend in the country, a place that will succeed in surpassing all these in beauty? However, when I reached the Bjelasica mountain range, I was no longer so sure which of the places was more beautiful.
It is a wild and impressive mountain range, and to be honest, it is a bit difficult to describe its beauty in words. In the end, the pictures speak for themselves. The visit to the place can be done by traveling in a jeep, together with a local driver who knows the area, and will stop you exactly at the most beautiful view points. The jeep tours depart from the nearby town of Kolasin, where you can also experience the authentic Savardak restaurant.
The restaurant's flagship dish may seem a little strange to the average Israeli tourist. It is almost a kilo of mashed potato, served with a cheese mixture. Despite the unclear first impression, in the end it is a delicious dish, which the locals consider gourmet. If you are there, you should definitely try the local experience.
If you wish to visit the place independently, this is possible, but for the sake of safety, you should arrive in a jeep type vehicle. As mentioned, so that you can reach the mountains and return safely.
Here too, you should stock up on food and drink that you like, and enjoy together with them in front of the spectacular view. The mountain range also includes many animals: horses, cows, sheep and more.
This is a perfect experience to "clear your head". The combination of the mountains, together with nature and the drive right next to the various animals, provide guaranteed and unforgettable pleasure. If you are interested in this, there are places in the area where you can rent bicycles to ride, ride horses and even sleep in different cabins.
Bay of Kotor - the leading tourism and recreation area in Montenegro
When visiting Montenegro, one of the experiences not to be missed is sailing. In addition to the impressive mountainous areas and the many forests, the country also includes several highly recommended destinations for this. One of them is the Bay of Kotor.
The road to the bay is impressive in itself. Already from the top point of the road, you can admire the unique view. It is especially recommended to stop at the Boka bay overlook. When you get to the bay itself, the feeling you get is that of a beach town after all. Even before the start of the cruise, the spectacle that unfolds before our eyes provides a pleasant and liberating feeling - a combination of the sea, together with the pier, the ships and the surrounding green mountains. Personally, the combination of the sea with the green mountains, even reminded me of parts of Thailand.
Instead, you can reach a tiny artificial island called "Lady of the Rock" by a short boat ride. There is a church on the island, and therefore it is not acceptable to swim there in swimwear. You can walk around the island and get an impression of the area, including an observation point, which is especially recommended for photographs.
From there, you can take a longer cruise, towards the city of Tivat, which used to be the main shipping center of Greater Yugoslavia. The city is surrounded by luxurious hotels and luxury residential neighborhoods. The sea that surrounds the place, together with the many restaurants and the breathtaking view, make the city an ideal place to spend time during the summer.
It is highly recommended to walk around the city and enjoy the atmosphere in the area. The "Hotel Astoria" restaurant is an excellent option to spend lunch or dinner on the spot, with a variety of main dishes and desserts. If you're craving a dessert that won't leave you indifferent, go for the souffle - you won't regret it.
Mount Lubcin - an unforgettable experience in the mountains of Montenegro
One of the things that make Montenegro such a recommended destination for a visit is the diversity of the types of landscapes and nature. This, when next to the forests and lakes, visitors to the country are offered the possibility of tours that include spectacular mountain views.
As part of this diversity, after visiting the Gulf region, it is recommended to continue directly to Kotor, a picturesque resort town located on the coast. There you can get on a cable car that will take you to the top of Mount Lubchin. The cable car way to the top of the mountain is spectacular in its beauty. Already on the way, the view of the green mountains spread out in front of us, combined with the sea.
When you arrive at the top of the mountain, you must not miss the Alpine Coaste experience. In front of the mesmerizing view of the green mountains and the sea, you will spend an unforgettable ride in a roller coaster car, with its rate of speed under your control. The ride itself is spectacular. Personal control of the trailer provides everyone with the opportunity to move the trip according to their personal preference. Whether in a fast ride on descents and turns, or in a slow and relaxed ride.
The connection to Israel
Only about 300 Jews live in the small country. Despite the small number, this is the largest number of Jews ever to live in the country. The citizens of the country are especially friendly towards the Israeli tourist, something that, during the current war, has become more critical than ever.
Very recently, halfway from Podgorica to Kotor Bay, the "Friendship Monument" was erected. The monument was erected to mark the contribution of Yugoslavia, and Montenegro in particular, in the "Velveta" operation that occurred with the establishment of the state, in 1948. As part of the operation, airplanes arrived from Montenegro to Israel, helping it to win over the Arab countries.
Scudder Lake
Montenegro, like Montenegro, provides time and time again a sailing experience alongside wild and spectacular nature. Virpazar, the pastoral town located about 40 minutes drive from Podgorica, leads to a unique cruise, which lasts about an hour.
The boating company on the lake is operated by Christina, a lover of Israel who speaks Hebrew and even plays various songs in Hebrew, of all styles. The lake itself is characterized by swamp vegetation and water chestnuts. The boating experience here was slightly different from that in the Kotor Bay area. This, mainly due to the enormous size of the sea, compared to the smaller one of the lake.
Budva
In Montenegro as in Montenegro, you never say no to another picturesque resort town located on the coastline. The town of Budva is considered one of the most desirable destinations for the tourists who come to the country. There is also an impressive ancient city in the place, which experienced a significant earthquake in the late 1970s, and was restored thanks to a contribution from the residents out of their income.
The walk inside the old city is pleasant and enjoyable, and also provides the tourist experience of examining various souvenir shops, many of which are located there. In addition to a tour of the old city, you must not miss the tour of the coastal area. By the way, if you visit both Budva and Kotor Bay, it is not certain that you will be able to decide which of the places is more impressive and beautiful.