Kotor: June Experience, Visuals, Fun, History, etc.

On of the city maps placed at the city side entrances.

A tourist map, which you can collect from the main city gate entrance tourist office

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A tourist map, which you can collect from the main city gate entrance tourist office. ]

Appreciate your added sharing of these helpful maps.

From the London/UK Telegraph today, they have this headline: "30 most beautiful towns in Europe" with this top spotlighting of Kotor: "Another Unesco-listed town, Kotor is 'a place full of Venetian-inspired architecture and tiny twisting streets of white stone bearing workaday names such as Milk Street and Bread Square,' writes Julia Warren, who visited for the Telegraph."

This listing of top, charming places to visit in Europe is very interesting and inspiring. So many nice options for exploring and enjoying.

Full story today at:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/lists/The-30-most-beautiful-towns-in-Europe/

For their much longer 2012 story on this area, titled "Montenegro: the new beauty of the Balkans?", see:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/montenegro/articles/Montenegro-the-new-beauty-of-the-Balkans/

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Did a June 7-19, 2011, cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Dozens of nice visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc. We are now at 220,854 views for this live/blog re-cap, including much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

Lots of good info and wonderful pictures. We're stopping in Kotor twice on our May cruise. Thanks Terry!

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Lots of good info and wonderful pictures. We're stopping in Kotor twice on our May cruise. Thanks Terry!

Appreciate your nice follow-up and kind comments. Good luck with your May cruising. Glad you will have two different chances to do the sail-in and sail-outs for this scenic "fjord-like" area.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

AFRICA?!!?: Lots of interesting and dramatic pictures can be seen from my latest live/blog at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2310337

Now at 29,659 views for this reporting and visual sharing that includes Cape Town, all along the South Africa coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Okavango Delta area.

Below is a connection for a live/blog from our March experiences in doing this fun "adventure". This includes our first stops in Colombia, Central America and Mexico, plus added time in the great San Francisco. Very special and interesting in seeing the Panama Canal and learning about its creation/construction.

Getting ready in six days to be departing for Lisbon and our first visit to Portugal. Then, we will be seeing NW Spain, Bordeaux and Brittany also for the first times in these charming regions. Will do a live/blog for these "adventures". Join in and feel free to ask any questions as we sail. It will be on the Silversea Cruise Critic board.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Panama Canal? Just completed Feb. 28-Mar. 15, 2017, Fort Lauderdale to San Francisco adventure through the Panama Canal with our first stops in Colombia, Central America and Mexico, plus added time in the great Golden Gate City. Lots of fun pictures!! Those pictures start on the second page, post #26. See more at:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2465580

We were in Kotor last week from 7:00 until 1:00 pm. Not enough time! What a stunning place! Definitely need to return for at least 4 - 5 days to do it justice. The locals were very friendly and helpful and the whole town is a bargain. The weather was glorious, too. What a gem! Terry, thanks for your original post.

We were in Kotor last week from 7:00 until 1:00 pm. Not enough time! What a stunning place! Definitely need to return for at least 4 - 5 days to do it justice. The locals were very friendly and helpful and the whole town is a bargain. The weather was glorious, too. What a gem! Terry, thanks for your original post.

Appreciate your excellent updating and this helpful follow-up. Glad that things are still wonderful in Kotor. Yes, more time there is needed. Much to see and do in Kotor and nearby. Keep up the great sharing.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

From our Jan. 25-Feb. 20, 2015, Amazon River-Caribbean adventure that started in Barbados, here is the link for that live/blog. Many visuals from this amazing river and Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, etc.):

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2157696

Now at 51,239 views for these postings.

We did a private customized tour with Montenegro M Tours which is highly rated on TripAdvisor. It was a great tour and a beautiful place to visit. Actually very striking in its beauty. We had Yugoslava as a tour guide and she was fantastic!

Glad to have these additional items of sharing and help for those planning future travel to Kotor and this wonderful area.

LATEST ADVENTURE??!!: Just got back from three weeks in Europe doing five days in Lisbon, sailing from Portugal, seeing for the first time NW Spain, Bordeaux, Brittany, etc. Great sights and sites! Below are a few "samples" to prove the value for exploring these wonderful areas. For many more pictures and full details, check out this live/blog:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2511358

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

AFRICA?!!?: Lots of interesting and dramatic pictures can be seen from this live/blog at:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2310337

Now at 32,521 views for this visual sharing including Cape Town, along South Africa’s coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Okavango Delta area.

For Sintra north of Lisbon, here is one small visual sampling. Yes, as we told our grandsons, these are "Real Castles!". Really have learned lots on the unique history of Portugal.:

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From Porto, during our first trip to Portugal, we loved doing a small-craft sailing along their historic town areas near where Port wines are stored and sold.:

At the Guggenheim in Bilbao, the art is mostly about the building. Lighting and time of day when photo shooting allows for much creativity as to how you can capture this structure, its outdoor art, the inside drama, etc. Not your grandfather's museum! Like?:

Here is one quick visual sample from being in Bordeaux. If you love history and architecture, this is the super place to be!!. Like the little boy enjoying the water experience?:

During our Guernsey Island visit off of the French coast, we did our ship's "Powerboat Seascape Expedition". Great fun and sightings! Isn't this puffin cute?? Plus, lots of seal, beach, sea gull, etc., actions and activities.:

After the cruise concluded in Rouen, we finished with in-depth time in Brittany and to finish with a stop at Monet's Giverny before flying out from Paris' de Gaulle airport.:

From Travel+Leisure magazine this month, they have this headline: “Best Places to Travel in 2018” with their highlighting of Montenegro.

They featured these key details: "Move over, Croatia. Long overshadowed by its neighbor to the northwest, Montenegro is ready for the spotlight. The ancient city of Kotor is already attracting plenty of visitors, like the celebrities vacationing at luxurious boutique hotel Forza Terra, just outside the medieval walls, not to mention the hundreds of thousands of cruisers. The swank marina Porto Montenegro is thriving in the formerly sleepy coastal town of Tivat, and the complex’s Regent hotel unveiled an expansion in 2017. Further west on the Bay of Kotor’s jagged coastline is the site of the country’s most anticipated arrival, the One&Only Portonovi, which will be the brand’s first European outpost when it opens this summer.”

We loved our visit to Kotor and nearby. Very scenic and charming!! Would like to go back. BUT, in late January 2018, we will be doing our first visit to Southeast Asia. This will feature Hong Kong, Bangkok, Vietnam and Cambodia, including a seven-day Mekong River cruise, then Angkor Wat, Hanoi, Halong Bay and Hue/Danang. Then for late November, 2018, looking to do an Athens to Dubai, 20-day cruise with Oceania, including our first visits to the Holy Lands, Egypt, Middle East, etc.

Full story at:

http://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/best-places-to-travel-in-2018#nacujam-bay-croatia

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Enjoyed a 14-day, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland adventure, getting a big sampling for the wonders of "down under” before and after this cruise. Go to:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

for more info and many pictures of these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at 191,565 views for this posting.

Thank you Terry for your reviews. Awesome pictures. Thanks to other posters for updates and useful info.

Appreciate these above comments and this nice follow-up. From the Travel Section of London/UK's Telegraph earlier this month, they have this headline: “Kotor cruise port guide” with these highlights: “Sailing into Kotor, at the end of a fjord-like series of bays, is always an event. But the little medieval town at the end is no anti-climax. This walled jewel in Montenegro, likened to a mini Dubrovnik in neighbouring Croatia, is filled with characterful old stone buildings and camera-ready cobbled lanes.”

Also shared from this article: "Kotor’s cruise pier is just a stone’s throw from the city walls, though it can only take one mid-sized ship; others anchor in the bay and use their tenders."

Nice stories bringing back wonderful memories from this scenic and unique region of Europe.

Full story at:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/cruises/port-guides/kotor-cruise-port-guide/

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 228,524 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

From the New York Times Travel Section last weekend, they had this headline: “Returning to Montenegro” with these highlights: “When planning a family trip to Montenegro, I found myself telling friends who knew next to nothing about the Balkan country: 'Imagine yourself in Venice, sail down the Adriatic coast, look east and stop before you reach Albania.' For starters, there is dramatic natural beauty, including the imposing mountains that wall the coast and inspired 15th-century Venetians to name it Monte Negro, or Black Mountain. More invested in tourism — which accounts for over 20 percent of the economy — than war, Montenegro attracted two million visitors last year, more than three times its population, according to the national tourism office.”

Many pictures and other details are offered in this profile bringing back wonderful memories. Also shared by their writer was: "Most visitors come for the sea, a crowd-eluding alternative that historically has been popular with Russians and Ukrainians seeking warm weather. Compared with its neighbor across the Adriatic, it’s “a more affordable Italy,” said Joanna Millick, a director of sales and private journeys. Ancient towns, from Herceg Novi on the edge of the Bay of Kotor to walled Ulcinj near the Albanian border, dot the 70-mile coastal drive. Construction is rampant, suggesting more, if not mass, tourism isn’t too distant."

Full story at:

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/22/travel/montenegro.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Ftravel&action=click&contentCollection=travel&region=rank&module=package&version=highlights&contentPlacement=11&pgtype=sectionfront

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

SE Asia/Mekong River, Etc.! Just completed a Jan. 21-Feb. 20, 2018, first adventure through Southeast Asia with stops in Hong Kong and Bangkok, before traveling all over Vietnam and Cambodia. This includes seven days sailing on the Mekong River. Now at 33,334 views. Lots of fun, interesting pictures!! See more at:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2591474

Below are some of the visuals featured in this New York Times profile. First shows a view of the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro. Second is an example within this walled city of Kotor that was long under Venetian reign. Third is the Cathedral of St. Tryphon in Kotor, one of two Roman Catholic cathedrals in Montenegro. Fourth is inside the church on the Our Lady of the Rocks islet, just off the coast of Perast in the Bay of Kotor. Like these pictures??:

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From the Travel Section of the London/UK Standard over this past weekend, they had this headline: “Why you need to visit Montenegro, the jewel of the Adriatic” with these highlights: “Prices are still relatively cheap compared to other destinations in the eurozone. You can pick up a cone of gelato for a mere 70 cents in Budva or Kotor, for example, and dine like a king for under £15. Montenegro’s quaint old towns are a lure for any romantic or history buff. Party spot Budva dates from 2,500 BC; you can walk the medieval city walls and not pass a single tourist on some days. Sunset in Kotor is best enjoyed with a view of its bay from the Castle of San Giovanni, a 1,600-step hike up from the old town.”

This story brings back nice memories, including for being in Kotor, Budva, etc. For unbeatable seafood, they suggest: "Squid ink black risotto is a must-try dish, as well as fresh fish wrapped and cooked with seasonal vegetables. Head to Ribarsko Selo, on a rocky outcrop just past Zanjice Beach, for organic vegetables sourced straight from the onsite garden and whole fish caught fresh each day, or opt for no-frills dining at Galerija in Kotor."

Full story at:

https://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/travel/what-to-do-eat-see-in-montenegro-a3942506.html

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Did a June 7-19, 2011, cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Dozens of nice visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc. We are now at 240,347 views for this live/blog re-cap, including much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

Here was one of the many visuals connected with this newspaper profile. It is Prcanj in Kotor Bay, Montenegro.:

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From the Travel Section of the London/UK Sunday Times this weekend, they had this headline: “Montenegro, the hot new playground for the super-rich” with these highlights: “The ride from the gleaming marina of Porto Montenegro into the legendary Bay of Kotor is spectacular; as we travel through the mouth of the bay, the stone houses of Perast shimmer in the distance, dwarfed by giant peaks. It’s the Mediterranean by way of Norway, best seen from the water. The first thing that strikes me as we drive away from the Montenegrin border is how the landscape changes. I had assumed that Croatia’s rolling, mountainous landscapes and glittering coastline would simply continue, but almost immediately the slopes surge upwards to become gargantuan peaks, hurtling down to the water’s edge, leaving just a slim strip of land for clustered houses, and the shore-front road that weaves around the spectacular Bay of Kotor.”

Full story at:

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/travel/montenegro-the-hot-new-playground-for-the-super-rich-6kt2ls326

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

From our Jan. 25-Feb. 20, 2015, Amazon River-Caribbean adventure that started in Barbados, here is the link for that live/blog. Many visuals from this amazing river and Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, San Juan, etc.):

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2157696

Now at 60,660 views for these postings.

From the Travel Section of the London/UK Telegraph today, they had this headline: “13 things you probably didn't know about Montenegro”  with this quick summary point: "a little-visited country that - for travellers - is a bit like Croatia in miniature."

Here are some more of their profile highlights: “Barely the size of Northern Ireland, and with a population of just over 600,000, Montenegro has had a tumultuous history – though it only became a sovereign country in 2006.  'Ruled by Illyrians and Romans, by infighting Slavic tribes, Huns and Goths, by battling Venetians and Ottomans, and most recently embroiled in the meltdown of Yugoslavia, Montenegro wears its war wounds as medals, rather than scars,' says Telegraph Travel expert Rodney Bolt.  'The tiny country packs in rich remnants of its past occupiers and invaders. In one 30-minute drive along a bay-side corniche, I took in prehistoric rock art, Roman mosaics and a Venetian naval town, pretty much unblemished, before going on to admire art in a Serbian Orthodox church and a somnolent Roman Catholic chapel.'  The World Travel and Tourism Council reports that 11 per cent of Montenegro’s GDP comes courtesy of foreign travellers. Within Europe, only Malta (14.2 per cent) is more reliant on your money.”

Here was a segment mentioning one coastal location we enjoyed: "Few Britons drive two hours down the coast from Dubrovnik to the ancient town of Budva. Founded by the Greeks in the fourth century BC, and then fortified during the Middle Ages, the town forms the heart of the Budva Riviera, which runs 22 miles from Trsteno to Buljarica, and is dotted with a series of sheltered coves and sand and pebble beaches."

Full story at:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/montenegro/articles/montenegro-facts/

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

For our latest live/blog, see “the Holy Lands, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Dubai, Greece, etc.”, with many visuals, details and ideas for the historic and scenic Middle East.  Check it at:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

From this UK Telegraph profile, here is an aerial view of Sveti Stefan.  This luxury island has welcomed the likes of Princess Margaret in the 1970s.  Second shows the beach at Budva.:

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From this recent article in an Australia news website, they had this headline: “13 reasons Montenegro is the obvious choice for your next trip abroad”  with these highlights: “Montenegro may be small, but it’s perfectly formed. With a killer-combination of azure waters, uncrowded beaches, rugged mountains and quaint villages, you’d be hard-pressed to find a destination as eye-catching (and affordable).”

This profile offers a number of good options and potentials to consider for Kotor and near.  Plus many nice visuals.  Below are a few of their pictures featured.  Here is another highlight by their writer: "Kotor is a quaint, seaside town (think mini-Dubrovnik minus the glitz) and one of the most popular places to visit in Montenegro. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kotor Old Town is a maze of cream-coloured cobblestone streets, stone churches, former Venetian palaces-turned-boutiques and cosy, café-lined squares. Need to walk off that gelato? Climb Kotor’s city walls up to the fortress of St John, overlooking the jaw-dropping beauty that is the Bay of Kotor – fjord-like, deep blue waters surrounded by majestic mountains and medieval walls."

Here are a few interesting background items: "At 295 kilometres long, the Montenegro coastline packs a lot of seaside into one stunning strip. There are 117 beaches to choose from, of varying lengths and styles (rock, pebble, sand), encompassed by high mountains and limestone cliffs."

Full story at:

https://www.delicious.com.au/travel/international/article/13-reasons-visit-montenegro/rsghpxdd

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

Sydney to NZ/Auckland Adventure, live/blog 2014 sampling/details with many exciting visuals and key highlights.  On page 23, post #571, see a complete index for all of the pictures, postings.  Now at 220,228 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

Here are three samples visuals from this profile.  First is Budva that is dubbed the ‘Miami of Montenegro’ by locals.  Second shows the dramatic contrast between historic architecture and exciting mountains ringing these scenic areas.  Third is Sveti Stefan:

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From MSN.com news late last month, they had this headline: “Montenegro: The Adriatic's Hidden Gem” with these highlights: “The sea is stunning, the architecture is fascinating and the food is delicious. Rugged mountains, crystal clear waters and ancient towns are waiting in the small country of Montenegro. With a population of less than 700,000 and a diameter less than 300km, this Balkan country crams some of Europe’s most jaw-dropping scenery into quite a small area.  The Montenegrin coast is lined with unspoiled sandy beaches lying beneath impressive outcroppings. Unlike the glacier-made Norwegian fjords, the stunning Montenegrin landscape was carved by earthquakes, thereby giving these seaside mountains a more rugged and rocky terrain.”

This article brings back nice memories of both Kotor and Montenegro.  Here is another key story highlight: "For the history buff, head to Kotor. Spend the day wandering a labyrinth of alleyways in the ancient city and then visit Europe’s only cat museum. Make sure to pack a pair of hiking shoes because the walled city is best seen from above. The castle of San Giovanni, a 30-minute hike up from the old town, has an unbelievable view of the surrounding bay."

Full story at:

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/lifestyle/travel/why-you-need-to-visit-montenegro-the-adriatics-hidden-gem/ar-AABFRUV

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

Barcelona/Med: June 2011, with stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Great visuals with key highlights, tips, etc. Live/blog now at 246,576 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

Below are just a couple of the many visuals used to illustrate this profile on Montenegro, Kotor, etc..:

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From NBC television, they have a weekend travel series titled: “THE VOYAGER WITH JOSH GARCIA” with many interesting visuals, highlights and details.  This mid May segment covered and related to amazing Kotor.  This series is very well produced and brings back many nice memories.  He details many aspects for cooking and culture in Kotor, plus their water polo expertise.  Much to see and enjoy in preparing for a visit to Kotor or to re-live nice memories from being there.   

Full story at:

https://www.nbc.com/the-voyager-with-josh-garcia/video/bay-of-dreams/3699037

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise from Copenhagen, July 2010, to the top of Europe. Wonderful scenic visuals with key tips. Live/blog at 236,157 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

Here is the opening visual for this television profile on Kotor, plus a couple of other interesting pictures from this video.:

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 From the Travel Section of the Washington Post in early October, they had this headline: “Dubrovnik hordes make Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor appealing” with these highlights: “The Bay of Kotor offers walled towns and natural beauty. The mountain-ringed, winding bay extends inland from the Adriatic and is often mistaken for a fjord. It is actually a flooded river valley made up of four connected bays with 67 miles of shoreline. The road around the bay is dotted with medieval villages, family-friendly beaches and swimming platforms. Venetian-influenced Perast boasts baroque architecture, as well as a scenic waterfront facing two tiny islets: St. George, where a 12th-century monastery stands, and man-made Our Lady of the Rocks.”

Full story at:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/travel/dubrovniks-dothraki-like-hordes-make-montenegros-bay-of-kotor-appealing/2019/10/09/731b0a38-e55e-11e9-a331-2df12d56a80b_story.html

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

Recently completed Calgary, Jasper/Banff National Parks, Western Canada Rocky Mountaineer rail adventure, Vancouver, sailing up to Alaska, post-cruise excursion to Denali, etc.  Lots of visuals and details from our first visits to these scenic areas!!  That live/blog is at: 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2682584-live-terryohio-silver-muse-alaska-canadarockies-pix’s/

More on Montenegro and nearby to Kotor?  From MSN News earlier this month they had this headline: “Travel bucket list 2023: 10 unique travel destinations.”

Here are some of their profile highlights: “Budva, Montenegro: For travellers searching for a sun-soaked beach vacation on crystal clear waters, the town of Budva in western Montenegro is one of the destinations to visit in Europe in 2023. Located on the coast of the Adriatic Sea, Budva boasts a 22-mile winding coastline known as the Budva Riviera with a strip of beautiful golden sandy beaches. For those seeking adventure, explore Boka Bay on Mamula Island, Blue Cave, and Lady of the Rocks Tour. Budva’s medieval old town features cobbled streets dotted with charming restaurants where visitors can enjoy fresh grilled seafood including the local favourite – octopus.”

Full story at:

https://www.msn.com/en-in/travel/news/travel-bucket-list-2023-10-unique-travel-destinations-across-the-world-take-your-pick/ar-AA16cuvV

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

Early 2020, many visuals and details from New Zealand/South Pacific in going from Auckland to French Polynesia.  This includes Bora Bora, Fiji, NZ experiences, etc:  Live/blog;

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2735732-live-terryohio-“new”-regatta-south-pacificnz-pix’s/

From the London/UK Daily Mail this morning, they had this headline: “Give Montenegro a go! Medieval towns and glitzy marinas - this Balkan beauty is a rising star in the Med” with these highlights: “The country is one of the best sun magnets in southern Europe.  Unesco-listed Kotor town, once a naval base, is wedged between soaring peaks and a deep bay. I have to remind myself I am not in Italy as I amble around.  West round the coast, Perast town provides the perfect lunch stop: elegant Conti, where specials include penne ‘The Sopranos’ with steak, porcini mushrooms and white truffles.  Boats run to Our Lady Of The Rocks, an islet apparently drafted in from Lake Garda. Its blue-domed church is a beauty, lined inside with silver votive offerings left by storm-fearing mariners over the centuries.”

Many colorful visuals are included in the profile that brings back nice memories from when we visited Montenegro.  Fun!

Full story at:

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-12053721/Give-Montenegro-Medieval-towns-glitzy-marinas-Balkan-beauty-rising-star.html

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio   

Barcelona/Med: June 2011, with stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Great visuals with key highlights, tips, etc. Live/blog now at 256,371 views.

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1362155-solstice-livefirst-timer-reportspix’s-italycroatian-june-7-19/

From Conde Nast Traveler in March, they had this headline: “Most Beautiful Small Towns in Europe” with these highlights: “At turns reminiscent of Norwegian fjords and Lake Como, the Bay of Kotor is lined with ancient, picturesque towns—including its namesake. Backed by steep limestone cliffs, Kotor’s UNESCO-protected Old Town draws visitors for its scenic location, but also for its history. Getting lost here is not only encouraged, but expected: Centuries ago, Old Kotor was built like a maze to confuse invaders.”

Yes, brings back wonderful memories.  Many other excellent small towns to visit in Europe.  Need to pack and go?

Full story at:

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/25-most-beautiful-small-towns-in-europe

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

Late Summer 2022, many scenic visuals and details from Canada Maritimes doing Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Cape Breton Island, etc., via a Tauck land tour.  Visual Summary:

www.flickr.com/photos/196555480@N08/albums

From the London/UK Daily Mail this morning, they had this headline: “Billions are being spent on gleaming marinas and plush hotels to turn tiny Montenegro into the St Tropez of the Adriatic” with these highlights: “When Montenegro gained independence from Serbia in 2006, its then prime minister declared: ‘Montenegro will become one of the world’s most elite tourist destinations... Better than St Tropez.’   It may have been an ambitious statement, but almost two decades later the tiny country – squeezed between Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, Serbia and Croatia – is certainly on its way.   Tycoons now sunbathe off the coast on gigantic superyachts, the result of billions spent on gleaming marinas and the five-star hotels from some of the world’s most exclusive chains that have sprung up along the beaches.  Montenegro seems to have kept hold of its quiet charm, despite all this new money.”

Here is more background: "Montenegro, a country not much bigger than Yorkshire and with just 620,000 residents, isn’t part of the European Union – despite applying for membership in 2008. This is mainly due to a deepening political crisis which recently saw its prime minister ousted after 32 years in power."

Full story at:

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-12472909/Beauty-Balkans-Billions-spent-gleaming-marinas-plush-hotels-turn-tiny-Montenegro-St-Tropez-Adriatic.html

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

Canada 2022/2023: Scenic visuals, details from Canada Maritimes (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Cape Breton Island).  Plus, new from Aug. 2023, exploring historic/charming Quebec City.    Visual/Info Summaries:

www.flickr.com/photos/196555480@N08/albums

From the London/UK Telegraph this weekend, they had this headline: “Why pint-sized Montenegro offers the best of Europe in miniature" with this sub-headline:  "With beautiful beaches, magnificent mountains, epic lakes and cool cities, this country is a microcosm of the continent’s best bits.”

Here are some of their reporting highlights by Teresa Levonian Cole: “You could fancy yourself in the Republic of Venice, under whose protection, from the early 15th Century to 1797, merchants and ship-owners grew rich. In fact, Perast was so famed for her maritime skills, that Peter the Great dispatched his Princes to study at the local naval academy.   If Montenegro is a cultural microcosm of Europe, her natural blessings – rugged, pine-blanketed mountains, virgin forests, and cerulean waters – inspired Yugoslav President Tito to turn the 15th-century fortified fishermen’s island of Sveti Stefan into a glittering showcase for his Communist regime.”

Here is more background:  "For Montenegro also shares the curse of other Mediterranean jewels, such as Venice, Dubrovnik, and Rhodes: flag-waving guides and unspeakable crowds jamming the maze of cobbled streets, taking selfies in churches, and scaring the legion of cats. The solution: go after hours, or off-season."

Full story at:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/montenegro/pint-sized-montenegro-offers-best-of-europe-in-miniature/

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio 

Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise from Copenhagen, July 2010, to the top of Europe. Scenic visuals with key tips. Live/blog at 249,313 views.

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/