Anita van Maanen
Have you already checked off the usual hotspots in Europe? Or do you want to surprise your colleagues or relations with an out-of-the-box destination? Then Montenegro is the place to be! We take you to this upcoming (incentive) destination in the Balkans!
Believe it or not, you can even hit the slopes here! And at a fraction of the cost compared to other popular ski resorts. Moreover, everything from dining to drinks comes with a surprisingly low price tag. Imagine: an average beer costs only €1.50, and you get your cup of coffee for only €1.
Now, let's talk about skiing. The Kolašin ski area consists of 45 kilometers of slopes and the runs are connected by 7 ski elevators. The ski resort is located at 1400 to almost 2100 meters above sea level and has about 20 kilometers of blue and red slopes. And for the die-hard skier: 5 kilometers of black slopes.
But there is more to explore! We recently went on an inspection trip to Montenegro to fine-tune the travel programs for this summer's group tours.
From the Netherlands there are not yet (or hardly) direct flights to Tivat, or to the capital Podgorica. This summer the groups fly with a transfer or with a private charter. We ourselves flew with Air Serbia to Belgrade, where we had a nice connection to Tivat airport. This was fine, with at most 1.5 hours of extra travel time. It was our first experience in the air with Air Serbia and were pleasantly surprised by the quality of service.
Speaking of surprises, Montenegro is full of them! Picture this: a fascinating 7,000 m2 wine cellar 30 meters underground. In this 356-meter long tunnel, filled with hundreds of meters of small and large barrels, more than 2 million liters of wine are chilling. Start your trip with a visit to these unique cellars and taste the wines and traditional appetizers in the company of top sommeliers? Wine not 😉
For more than half a century this Montenegrin company has been one of the largest and most important producers of grapes, wine and grape brandy in Southeastern Europe, on an impressive area of about 2,300 hectares. A location that is also perfect for a (short) presentation or speech. This way the business piece immediately gets a nice touch!
We continue the journey to Budva! Located along the Adriatic Sea, this coastal gem is surrounded by rugged mountains, has a laid-back vibe and is definitely one of Montenegro's sights. The old walled city center is still completely authentic and is very similar in feel to Split in Croatia. With a bustling boulevard and beautiful beach, Budva has everything you need.
During the inspection trip, we visited many hotels and, of course, our favorite restaurants for groups. We also discovered two gems of restaurants with GOOD food.
Activities abound in Montenegro. From mountain biking (doable for everyone) and kayaking, to canyoning and spotting and swimming with dolphins! Side note: These beautiful animals live here in complete freedom and not in captivity.
For the grand finale of the trip, the last evening, we like to set up a uniquely situated restaurant, where the views of the Adriatic coastline and rugged mountain peaks inspire and motivate like no other place.
Anita van Maanen
Managing Director
Stadionweg 11
AFAS Stadium (AZ)
1812 AZ Alkmaar
