Tito's Blue Train

Tito’s Blue train timetable:

0700hrs Depart Belgrade

1900 hrs Arrive Montenegro

Tito’s Blue Train is an unforgettable rail experience which combines spectacular scenery, fine cuisine, history and culture. The train connects Serbia’s capital Belgrade with Montenegro passing through Serbian plains and forested Montenegrin Mountains. Whilst onboard, guests can soak up the scenery and enjoy morning coffee, afternoon tea and a traditional four course lunch served with local wines, cooked onboard by local chefs.

What makes this train experience special is the history and the authentic decor inside the 1950’s carriages, upon boarding, guests can travel back in time and during the journey, educational talks are given to add historical context. The train was built shortly after the Second World War for Tito who ruled former Yugoslavia from 1945-1980 and is complete with his private apartments, fully fitted bathrooms and a conference room. Tito’s Blue Train was once hailed by Yugoslavs as one of the most luxurious train journeys in Europe and it once transported royals, Presidents and World Leaders alike including Queen Elizabeth.

Train journey’s are an unusual, yet wonderful way to spend time on holiday.  Often associated with adventure and old charm.  Tito’s Blue train is no exception to the rule; a memorable experience rather than simply journey from A to B. 

Sport in Montenegro

A holiday in Montenegro guarantees wonderful scenery, an abundance of outdoor activities, beautiful beaches, relaxation and rejuvenation- the main requirements for a holiday. Behind the tourist scene, the nation has also got its foot in the world of international sport...

Every country has a national sport or at least one they are passionate for, New Zealand it is rugby, USA love baseball, the French are footie-mad and Bhutan prefer archery. For Montenegro, their sporting passion involves a swimming pool, 2 goals, a ball and a team of good ‘egg beaters’ (treading water!)

Montenegro has a small population of around 600,000 so impressively it is one of the smallest countries ever to win a gold medal in continental and world championship team sports. The country won first place (yay!) at the 2008 European championship, came a close second in 2012 and came seventh in the 2011 world championship.

Waterpolo is played along the south coast in the bay of Kotor and is played in Kotor, Herceg Novi and Budva. In the current National team one player is from Budva and those who aren’t from Kotor or Herceg Novi are from the smaller surrounding teams who don’t have a professional Waterpolo club. Talented players play for either Jadran in Herceg Novi or Primorac in Kotor.

The Montenegrin National team had high hopes for the 2012 Olympics. Interestingly, the country competed for the first time as an independent nation in 2008! So London 2012 was a good opportunity for Montenegro to showcase their passion to the world. The team made it to the bronze medal match where they were closely beaten by their neighbours Serbia with a result of 11-12.

It wasn’t all sighs though at the Montenegrin Olympians left London with their first ever Olympic medal with the Women’s Handball team winning silver, hopefully Montenegro will scoop their first Olympic medal in Waterpolo in Rio in 2016....

On a closing note, football fever will soon be heading to Montenegro as England team prepare to play Montenegro the host country in a world cup qualifier match in Podgorica on Tuesday 26^th March.

Top five walking routes in Montenegro

Montenegro really is a destination where you can embrace the great outdoors. Walking and hiking are always a great ways to explore a new area.  Visitors can go at their own pace - whether it is a guided excursion or independently, map in-hand. Montenegro’s mountainous coastline combined with its lakes and national parks offers breathtaking views. There is a fantastic choice of routes catering for all fitness levels and ages (and yes...don’t be afraid to take kids on a walk...the ‘w’ word may strike initial fear in them of a day being torn away from the beach but once they are out there walking makes a great day trip for a family).

Lov´cen National Park

This mountain National Park is located high above Kotor and can be accessed by car and foot. There is an abundance of walking trails to explore in Lov´cen National Park where you can enjoy spectacular views along the way. There is also an adventure park making it a great family day out.

Coastal walks

When people say ‘walking holiday’ one can instantly envisage walking boots, walking pole and mountainous terrain. Montenegro offers a diverse choice of walks and a great walk to try is a coastal walk at Sveti Stefan, an island that is a 15 minute drive from south of Budva. Visitors can walk along the attractive Adriatic coastline through gardens and beaches.

Kotor city walls walk

A climb up the steps of the old city walls is the best way to appreciate the stunning views across the old town and the bay of Kotor. Best time to walk is early morning or early evening to avoid the heat of the midday sun beating down on you! The walk is more suited to the more physically fit as it takes around 2 hours to get to the top, however you are free to go at your own leisurely pace and there are lots of places to stop mid-climb to catch your breath and enjoy the views! Even walking to the half way point rewards walkers with great views, just remember to take plenty of water!

Coastal transversal

This tour stretches across several days starting from the mountains and ending on the Adriatic coast. The hike includes spectacular views off the Adriatic sea, passing through two national parks-Skadar Lake and Lov´cen national park. Organised guided trips can be arranged and this is ideal for enthusiast hikers.

Bay of Kotor

For those staying near to the Bay of Kotor, then a good route is Mount Orijen which is close to the Croatian border. Guided tours are available as well as equipment hire. The walks vary in length and suit all fitness levels. For enthusiasts, 2-3 day hikes can also be arranged