Montenegro: Lipa Cave, Njeguši Village & Cetinje Day Trip

Summary

Karst caves, mountain legends and smoky flavors near Cetinje

You’ll feel Montenegro’s wild side—from cool Lipa Cave with its echoing darkness to windswept Lovćen views after climbing those famous steps. Savor local pršut ham in Njeguši’s oldest tavern before wandering Cetinje’s royal streets with your guide. It’s a day packed with stories and small surprises you’ll remember long after.

What’s the experience like?

"You’ll want your jacket for this," our guide Milena grinned as we hopped off the little tourist train at Lipa Cave. She wasn’t kidding—inside, the air was cold and smelled faintly of wet stone, like old cellars back home but deeper somehow. The cave walls felt slick under my hand (I touched them when no one was looking). We followed Milena’s flashlight beam past stalactites that looked like melted candles. I tried to imagine what it would be like down here alone—no thanks. Forty minutes underground passed weirdly fast; maybe it was all her stories about smugglers and hidden rivers. When we stepped out again, the sunlight felt almost too bright.

The drive up Lovćen mountain wound through green switchbacks and clouds that seemed close enough to touch. At Njegoš’s Mausoleum, there are 451 steps—I counted (okay, I lost track at 300-something). The wind up there nearly stole my hat. But honestly? That view over Montenegro is still stuck in my head. Our group fell quiet for a second, just watching shadows move across the hills. Milena told us how Petar II Petrović Njegoš wrote poetry about these mountains; I probably butchered his name trying to say it, but she just laughed.

Lunch in Njeguši village was the kind that lingers—smoky pršut ham sliced right in front of us, cheese that tasted a bit grassy (in a good way), bread still warm from the oven. The tavern’s been open since 1881; you can tell by the creaky floorboards and photos of mustached men on the walls. There was a sweet old man at the next table who nodded at me every time I reached for more cheese—maybe encouragement? Afterward we drove down to Cetinje, where royal palaces peek out behind chestnut trees and schoolkids dart past old monasteries. By then my legs were tired but my head felt full—in a good way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Lipa Cave, Lovćen, Njeguši, Cetinje Tour

• Depart to Lipa cave
• Take tourist train to cave entrance
• Explore Lipa cave with guide
• Drive to Lovćen
• Climb Njegoš’s mausoleum steps
• Drive to Njeguši village
• Food tasting in Njeguši tavern
• Drive to Cetinje
• Visit Cetinje historical sites
• Optional lunch at restaurant
• Return and end tour

Top questions

How long does the Montenegro day trip take?

The tour lasts a full day including stops at Lipa Cave, Lovćen Mountain, Njeguši village for food tasting, and sightseeing in Cetinje.

Is hotel pickup included for this Lipa Cave & Cetinje tour?

Yes, pickup is included from your accommodation depending on location.

How many steps are there to Njegoš's Mausoleum?

There are 451 steps leading up to Njegoš's Mausoleum on Lovćen Mountain.

What food do you try in Njeguši village?

You’ll taste traditional Montenegrin pršut (smoked ham) and cheese in one of Montenegro’s oldest taverns.

Do I need special clothing for Lipa Cave?

It’s recommended to bring a jacket as it can get chilly inside Lipa Cave.

Are entrance fees included in this Montenegro tour?

Yes, all entry fees and taxes are included in the price of the tour.

Is this tour suitable for families or kids?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels and even offers specialized infant seats if needed.

What can I see in Cetinje during this trip?

You’ll visit sites like Cetinje Monastery, King Nikola’s Museum, Biljarda (Njegoš's residence), and more historical monuments.

What’s included

Your day includes transport by air-conditioned vehicle with pickup from your accommodation, entry fees for all attractions including Lipa Cave and King Nikola's Museum, guided visits throughout, plus a generous food tasting of pršut ham and cheese at Montenegro's oldest tavern in Njeguši village before heading back home.