Ostrog Monastery: Day Trips and Tours from Kotor

The 17th-century Ostrog Monastery is one of the most iconic sights of Montenegro and is visited by over 100,000 tourists per year. These travelers are drawn to the site for its unique and dramatic setting, carved into a towering cliff face, as well as its beautifully preserved religious frescoes.

Day trips to Ostrog Monastery from Kotor allow you to check a handful of attractions off your Montenegro bucket list, all the while accompanied by a knowledgeable guide.

Here's all you need to know about Ostrog Monastery, one of the most exciting day trips from Kotor.

How to get to Ostrog Monastery from Kotor?

Ostrog Monastery is situated in the Danilovgrad region of Montenegro, approximately 120 kilometers northeast of Kotor.

From Kotor to Ostrog Monastery by car

The journey to Ostrog Monastery by car takes just over 2 hours and begins by heading north of Kotor, along its bay via the E65. Just over 20 kilometers later, you’ll merge onto the P11, then make use of the M6 and E762 to reach your destination.

Guided tour to Ostrog Monastery from Kotor

The jaunt to Ostrog Monastery via public transportation includes two train journeys, as well as a lengthy hike of over an hour, which is why many visitors recommend booking an organized day tour to the historic site instead.

Guided excursions to Ostrog Monastery last between 5 and 14 hours, depending on which additional destinations you visit, and begin around 7 AM. You may be required to meet at a predetermined location in the center of the city or, in many cases, you may be offered a convenient hotel pickup service.

For this, you’ll simply select your accommodation from a dropdown menu and, on the day of your excursion, await collection in the lobby from a friendly guide. Once your adventure is over, you’ll be dropped back to the same spot to spend the rest of the day relaxing or sightseeing.

What is the typical itinerary?

All Ostrog Monastery day tour itineraries are unique. However, they typically all share some similarities. While you may meet your guide in a public spot, the majority of tours offer an accommodation pickup service. Either way, once on board your comfortable vehicle, you’ll travel away from Kotor in the direction of the monastery.

You’ll generally visit several sites on your way to the attraction, which differ depending on the excursion you select, from soaring bridges and breathtaking national parks to religious monuments that perfectly showcase the country’s history over a period of more than 500 years.

Lunch is often provided for you at a local restaurant where you can let your taste buds explore renowned Montenegrin dishes, such as black risotto and Njegusi prosciutto.

When you reach your main destination, you’ll have the opportunity to amble between the monastery levels, learning about the significance of this unusual monument before returning to Kotor where your Ostrog Monastery day trip ends.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Ostrog Monastery?

Ostrog Monastery day trips visit various additional sites, such as spectacular national parks, towering canyons and other religious attractions. Select one based on your own personal interests and preferred travel style.

Guided tours to Ostrog Monastery plus Durmitor and Tara from Kotor

This Ostrog Monastery day trip is action-packed, making it the ideal way to gain the most from your short time in Montenegro.

You’ll begin by traveling out of the town toward Đurđevića Tara Bridge, stopping at several viewpoints along the way to admire the rolling hills, remote islands and historic cities of this corner of Europe. Reaching the Tara Canyon, you’ll have the opportunity to stretch your legs and look down upon the world from heights of over 170 meters.

Moving on, you’ll visit Durmitor National Park, which was originally formed by glaciers and features a black-colored lake that gains its color from the surrounding dense forest. Then, after a local feast in Žabljak, head to Ostrog Monastery where you can learn the roots of the Serbian Orthodox Church.

Private tour to Ostrog Monastery plus Dajbabe Monastery and Cetinje Monastery from Kotor

Private Ostrog Monastery day tours kick off with a visit to Cetinje Monastery, which was originally built in the 15th century but was demolished at the end of the 17th century during the Morean War. Today, you can see the reconstruction of the site and learn its importance in both the Serbian Orthodox Church and Montenegrin culture.

Continuing on, you’ll discover the monastery of Dajbabe, which was built after a shepherd’s biblical vision in the 19th century. Wander the upper and lower levels of Ostrog Monastery, carved into a rock face, and discover its magnificent frescoes before enjoying traditional cuisine at a local restaurant.

How much does a day trip to Ostrog Monastery from Kotor cost?

A group day trip to Ostrog Monastery, which also visits Durmitor National Park and Đurđevića Tara Bridge costs €70 per adult and €40 per child between the ages of 6 and 12. Those under 6 are prohibited from joining this excursion.

You can upgrade this tour for a private experience, which includes a hotel pickup service for €400 per solo traveler.

However, the price per head reduces with each member added to your party, down to approximately €100 each with six guests. While round-trip transportation and the services of a tour guide are included, entrance to Durmitor National Park is at your own expense.

The price for private Ostrog Monastery day tours that visit other religious monuments varies depending on the type of vehicle you choose to be transported in. Those who travel by van will pay €350 per group of up to four participants, which breaks down to just under €90 each.

Alternatively, if you prefer the comfort of a Mercedes E Class, you’ll pay €400 per group of up to three travelers, which, with the maximum group size, is just over €130 each.

What will you see and do?

Ostrog Monastery was originally founded by the Metropolitan Bishop of Herzegovina, Vasilije, who died at the site in the second half of the 17th century. While this religious monument was erected several hundred years ago, the monastery you see today is a reconstruction, which happened after a fire in the 1920s.

However, some of the original complex still remains, including the cave Church of the Holy Cross and the Church of the Presentation, both of which feature intricate frescoes. Alongside being a popular tourist spot, Ostrog Monastery is a well-known destination for pilgrims who bring with them donations of household items for the monks who live on-site before honoring Saint Basil of Ostrog.

When is the best time to visit Ostrog Monastery?

The best time to visit is late spring to early autumn (May to September). This is the peak tourist season for Montenegro in general, and the weather is favorable for visiting Ostrog Monastery.

However, if you wish to avoid larger crowds of the high summer, it might be a good idea to skip the months of July and August.

What other day trips can you do from Kotor?

• Budva day trips from Kotor
• Perast day trips from Kotor
• Boka Bay day trips from Kotor
• Skadar Lake day trips from Kotor
• Sveti Stefan day trips from Kotor

Travel tips

• As Ostrog Monastery is a place of worship, you should dress respectfully. Women should wear long skirts or dresses and cover their shoulders. Men should avoid shorts and sleeveless shirts.
• Wear comfortable shoes. You might have to walk considerable distances, and parts of the approach can be steep.
• Especially if you're visiting during peak seasons, arriving early will help you avoid larger crowds and have a more serene experience.