Kotor's Old Town & Bay of Kotor

Kotor's Old Town, dominated by the 12-century Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, is one of the Adriatic coast's best preserved fortified medieval towns. Kotor, which is distinctively Venetian in style (Venice was one of many city states and empires that ruled over this area over the centuries), sits on the edge of the brilliant blue Bay of Kotor, surrounded by dramatic, soaring mountains.

The Cathedral of Saint Tryphon is famous for its carved stone altar, which is an excellent example of the type of stonemasonry that the city was known for during the Middle Ages. Spend some time wandering through the maze of streets and alleyways in Kotor's Old Town, stopping for a meal at a traditional restaurant or a cold beverage at a sidewalk café in one of the piazzas.

If you want to get some extra exercise, hike up to the upper town walls. You'll have stunning views of the city and bay from here.

• Hotels to stay: Hotel Astoria, Hotel Monte Cristo, Hotel Monte Cristo, Hotel Vardar, Boutique Hotel Hippocampus, Villa Duomo, Hostel Old Town, etc.
• Location: southwestern Montenegro