Mega cruise ship “Sun Princess” of the American company “Princess Cruises” “opens” the 2026 cruising season in Bar

With the arrival of the mega cruise ship “Sun Princess” of the American company “Princess Cruises” in the Port of Bar at the end of March, this year’s cruising season officially began. In this Montenegrin coastal city, the season will last for seven months.

The mega cruise ship “Sun Princess” carries over 4,400 passengers and around 1,600 crew members. The ship arrives in Bar at 7:00 AM and departs at 6:00 PM.

What can you see during approximately 10 hours in a city located between two magical shores—the Adriatic Sea and Skadar Lake National Park, separated by Mount Rumija?

The travel agency AVE Tours has been organizing excursions for cruise ship tourists for over 10 years. Through a diverse program, we strive to meet the interests and wishes of every visitor. We offer engaging tours—both private and group—where tourists can enjoy Montenegro’s rich cultural heritage, breathtaking natural beauty, as well as adrenaline-filled and gastronomic experiences.

The AVE Tours team will be waiting for you at the beginning of King Nikola’s promenade, right in front of the shuttle bus stop. If you leave the ship early, you will also have the opportunity to enjoy a performance of traditional Montenegrin folklore in authentic national costumes.

Don’t miss the chance to choose a tour from the rich offer of AVE Tours and experience an unforgettable day in Bar, Old Town Bar, Budva, Ulcinj, Kotor, or Skadar Lake National Park.

Bar offers an incredible combination of nature, culture, history, and authentic experiences.

AVE Tours Recommendations: What to Visit

Nature Park – Old Olive Tree & Old Town Bar – the Montenegrin Pompeii

We take you to the Nature Park “Old Olive Tree” (Stara Maslina). During this excursion, you’ll have the opportunity to capture unforgettable moments beneath the canopy of one of the oldest olive trees in the world—over 2,500 years old (even older than America!).

The Old Olive Tree is truly a wonder of nature—it has been bearing fruit for more than two millennia. It may sound unbelievable, but it’s true: olives from this ancient tree are still used to produce olive oil in Bar, and this year it received a quality award in New York.

Your guide will share fascinating legends about the tree, which symbolizes peace, happiness, and love. There is also a tradition of walking around it three times for good fortune. Many couples even choose this magical place as the setting for their weddings…

As you explore the Old Town Bar, don’t miss the opportunity to step into the “Montenegrin Pompeii.” This is the largest archaeological site in the country—an open-air museum where you can see the remains of more than 250 structures.

Take the opportunity to tour this remarkable fortress with a guide and discover its rich and layered past. The Old Town Bar is a fascinating cultural monument that has withstood the test of time, representing a blend of different civilizations—from the Romans, Byzantines, and Venetians to the Ottoman Empire—preserving stories of the life that once flourished here.

After the guided tour, enjoy some free time to explore the charm of the Old Town Bar bazaar, perhaps with a glass of homemade pomegranate juice.

We conclude the tour with a visit to the House of Olives, a modern facility that further enhances the beauty of the Old Town Bar, where you can find a variety of authentic souvenirs.

This rich and immersive experience leaves a lasting impression—a perfect blend of nature, tradition, and history that you will remember for a long time.

The Pirate Town, Old Town Ulcinj & Valdanos Viewpoint

Discover why Old Town Ulcinj was once known as a pirate stronghold and what secrets lie within its Cyclopean walls dating back to the Illyrian period.

According to legend, one of the world’s most widely read writers, Miguel de Cervantes, once stayed in this town. It is believed that he found inspiration for his masterpiece Don Quixote right here in Ulcinj.

Ulcinj is the southernmost coastal town in Montenegro and home to a unique sandy beach in Europe—Velika Plaža (Long Beach), stretching an impressive 13 kilometers. Between the Old Town and Long Beach, you’ll find healing beaches where sulfur springs flow directly into the sea. One of them is reserved exclusively for women and is known as Ladies’ Beach.

From the Valdanos viewpoint, you can enjoy stunning views of the only lighthouse on the Adriatic coast that is still operated manually. You’ll also see the largest olive grove in Montenegro. Walking through these beautifully maintained olive groves offers a truly special and almost magical experience.

Skadar Lake National Park

Small as it is, Montenegro is home to five national parks—each beautiful and captivating in its own way. During a one-day stay in Bar, you have the opportunity to experience the beauty of Skadar Lake National Park.

A day at Skadar Lake is truly exceptional. It offers the perfect setting to relax on the shimmering waters of the lake, surrounded by rich flora and fauna.

As you cruise by boat through picturesque water lilies, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into a fairytale. Don’t miss the chance to take photos—you’ll quickly understand why people keep returning to Skadar Lake, which is stunning in every season.

On this excursion, you are immersed in untouched natural beauty, surrounded by mountains and lush greenery, experiencing the true magic of nature.

With its abundant landscapes and as a habitat for around 280 bird species, Skadar Lake is a unique destination. A cruise on Skadar Lake—the largest lake in the Balkans—is a special encounter with nature that will leave a lasting impression.

No matter how many times you visit Skadar Lake, there is always something new that draws you back to this remarkable national park.

What You Shouldn’t Miss

Historic old towns rich in culture and heritage

Local cuisine and traditional specialties

Stunning natural landscapes

The unique blend of sea and mountains

Two magical shores

How to Choose the Right Tour

Our excursions are designed for cruise passengers of all ages. All you need to do is relax and leave the organization to us—we take care of every detail:

Tour duration – Each tour is carefully planned so you can make the most of your time, fully enjoy the experience, and take home unforgettable memories.

Group size – Choose between group or private tours, depending on your preferences.

Local guide – Knowledgeable guides fully dedicated to your group and experience.

Flexibility & safety – Ensuring a smooth schedule and a safe, timely return to your ship.