Kotor Montenegro (Explore the Walled Village of Kotor), Kotor, Montenegro

We were up early sitting on our balcony as we entered the Bay of Kotor and glided for about one hour to the shore just outside the old walled town of Kotor. It was an ancient trade center, now it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This would be a tender port. We planned on touring the town on our own and hiking to St. John's Castle. The trick to getting off the ship early when you do not have a Princess cruise tour, is to line up shortly after pulling into port at the area where passengers exit the ship to go ashore. If you wait for the Captain to give the all clear, you have waited too long and will have hundreds of people ahead of you waiting for tenders.

Once we arrived on the dock we were met by row of people desperately trying to sell us their tour. I do understand. Tourism is the way they make their living. I am sure they sold tours, just not to us.

The picture above shows one person who just didn't want to take no for an answer. He is still yelling out his prices and options. We did thank him numerous times before moving on.

From the dock, cross the street and head to the Sea Gate, one of the entrances to the walled city of Kotor. Right outside the gate to the left is the Information Center. You can pick up a free map here in the language of your choice. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).