MONTENEGRO - Croatia and Slovenia - page 574

then the area code (minus the initial zero), then the number. Note that Montenegro
recently changed its area codes. If you see the former code for the Bay of Kotor area,
082, you'll have to replace it with the new one: 032.
Flag: It's a red field surrounded by a gold fringe. In the middle is the national seal: a
golden, two-headed Byzantine eagle topped with a single crown, holding a scepter in
one hand and a ball in the other (symbolizing the balance between church and state).
The eagle's body is covered by a shield depicting a lion with one paw raised (repres-
enting the resurrected Christ).
By Car: Drivingisthebestoption,givingyoumaximumflexibilityforsightseeing—but
be aware of possible border delays (see “Helpful Hints,” later). I've narrated a handy self-
guided driving tour of the Bay of Kotor, and another for the most accessible slice of the
Montenegrin interior. Even if you don't have a rental car during your Dubrovnik visit, con-
sider renting onejust forthe daytovisit Montenegro. Perhaps most satisfying—but expens-
ive—istohireyourownDubrovnik-baseddrivertobringyouhere(myfavoritesarerecom-
mended on here ) . While this is pricey (€250 for the day), you can try to team up with other
travelers to share the cost.
By Bus: Bus service between Dubrovnik and Montenegro is workable but infrequent
(2-3/day each way between Dubrovnik and Kotor town, 2.5 hours). In theory, you can try
to day-trip from Dubrovnik to Kotor, but bus schedules won't leave you with enough time
to merit the long trip: The first morning bus departs Dubrovnik at 10:30, arriving in Kotor
around 13:00 (later if there are delays); the return bus to Dubrovnik departs Kotor at 15:55.
And, of course, if you ride the bus, you can't stop to explore the sights along the way. As
the schedule is always in flux, it's important to confirm times carefully at the Dubrovnik TI
or bus station.
It'salsopossibletotakeabusdirectlyfromMontenegroto Mostar inBosnia-Herzegov-
ina. The daily bus via Trebinje (run by Globtour in Mostar) departs Budva at 14:15 and
Kotor at 15:00, arriving in Mostar at 20:00. The return bus from Mostar departs at 7:00,
and arrives at Kotor at 12:30 and Budva at 13:30. There is also a daily bus connection via
Dubrovnik.
By Excursion: As a last resort, consider taking a package excursion that follows basic-
ally the same route covered in this chapter (sold by various travel agencies in Dubrovnik;
see here ) .