Those who decide to visit this place should be aware that the cave and sea temperatures differ significantly. Therefore, it is advisable to prepare for the trip with sturdy shoes and warm clothing to make the most of the tour. Inside the cave, the temperature typically ranges from 8 °C to 10 °C. Additionally, it would be wise to wear a hat and take pictures with your camera.
The route follows safe, elevated roads that offer incredible vistas of Lake Skadar, the Tsrnoevich River, and the Budva Riviera.
The first stop is on Mount Braichi at an elevation of 850 metres, where you can see the sea, the Budva Riviera, and the island of St. Nicholas. The journey then continues towards Cetinje, the historic capital of Montenegro.
Near the city, you will need to park and visit Lipsky Cave. From this point, visitors can travel to the site on a tourist fun train. At the cave's entrance, you will be able to admire the majestic Kuchkina Mountains.
Knowledgeable guides will accompany you through the cave, taking you into the underground world. Initially, you will enter a long tunnel where occasional gusts of calm wind may be felt. A noticeable drop in temperature is also experienced. The maximum temperature here can reach up to 12 °c. After walking approximately 400 metres along the main tunnel of Lipsky Cave, you will find yourself in a stunning underground realm. If you observe the shapes of the cave walls closely, you can sense the raw power of nature's artwork. Darkness dominates Negush Hall, where stalactites flicker mysteriously. During rainy weather, a waterfall may fill the space beneath with water.
Excursions in the Lipsky Cave offer three route options:
- Acquaintance: Tourists go deep into 400 meters. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes and includes a train ride.
- Adventure: Involves guiding travellers 900m deeper. It takes 100 minutes, plus a walk on the train and a visit to the underground lake.
- Expedition: Guides lead the group to a depth of 2,500 m. It lasts nearly 3 hours. During this time, you will have the opportunity to ride the train and explore the underground labyrinth and lake. Tourists are provided with lanterns, helmets, raincoats, and boots. Moreover, the route leads to the ancient Montenegrin capital, Cetinje. Guides will tell the story of this beautiful city and its many visually striking attractions. Notable sights include the Blue and Prince Nikola palaces, the Vlaška church (famous for its fence made from 2,000 guns), the State Museum, and other historical and cultural monuments of interest to first-time visitors to Montenegro.
Cetinje Monastery houses extraordinary treasures, including a small fragment of the Life-Giving Cross of the Lord, the Hand of St. John the Baptist—his three fingers used in baptising Jesus Christ—and relics of the monastery's founder, Peter Vetinsky. Visitors can purchase and sanctify body crosses and leave notes requesting repose and health.
Cetinje's long stop is drawing to a close. Alternatively, tourists face a 22 km journey to the stunning Stone Sea in Montenegro and a climb to the summit of Lovcen Mountain, which reaches 1,650m. Here lies the famous mausoleum of Peter II Petrovic-Njegos, who ruled Montenegro in the 19th century. The bus will take travellers to an altitude of 1,500m, after which they must ascend 461 steps to reach the mausoleum. Inside are two granite statues of Montenegrin women—an 18-ton, apple-tree granite figure and a marble casket holding the remains of Peter II Petrovic-Njegos.
The mausoleum's ceiling is made of pure gold, donated to Montenegro by Italy, weighing 18kg. From Lovcen's summit, visitors can see nearly the entire country. At the mountain's foot lies Negushi village, home to the Petrovic family dynasty. Locals prepare delectable Montenegrin delicacies, including Negush cheese, smoked pork ham, and tender meat. During the tour, visitors can learn how to make 'shut,' a traditional dish produced in a house over 200 years old, with its secret recipe handed down through generations.
Souvenirs are available for purchase, and dining options are offered in the village. Afterwards, tourists head towards the sea via a serpentine route with 25 hairpin turns. The locals call it the "Cattaro Staircase" because of its steep climb. The road was built by the Austrians, leading to Kotor and the Bay of Kotor, with an elevation of approximately 1,000 meters.
A group of up to 7 people can expect to pay between €24 and €215 for the tour. Despite the extensive program, the trip lasts about 4 to 4.5 hours.