11-Day Valletta → Valletta → Kotor Itinerary — Autumn 2026

12:00

Prepare for departure and head to Chicago O'Hare International Airport

Allow ample time for check-in and security. For an international flight, aim to arrive at least 3 hours before departure. Consider using the Blue Line CTA train for a stress-free transfer to the airport.

📍 Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), Chicago, IL

13:00

Arrive at O'Hare, complete check-in, and clear international security and passport control

Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date. Malta is part of the Schengen Area — verify your entry requirements in advance.

📍 Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), International Terminal 5

14:30

Relax in the airport lounge or browse duty-free shops before boarding

If you have Priority Pass or similar lounge access, the Swissôtel The Zurich Lounge is a comfortable pre-flight retreat. Grab a light meal before the long transatlantic journey.

📍 Terminal 5, Chicago O'Hare International Airport

16:05

Depart Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) bound for Malta International Airport (MLA)

Flight duration is approximately 11–13 hours with a likely connection through a European hub such as Frankfurt, Amsterdam, or Rome. Confirm your full routing with your carrier. Stay hydrated and move around the cabin periodically.

📍 Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)

16:05

Arrive at Malta International Airport (MLA)

Clear passport control and collect your luggage. Malta uses the Euro (EUR). September weather is warm and sunny — around 28–31°C — so light, breathable clothing is ideal.

📍 Malta International Airport (MLA), Gudja, Malta

17:00

Transfer by taxi or private car from the airport to Grand Harbour Hotel, Valletta

The drive from the airport to Valletta is approximately 15–20 minutes. Pre-booked private transfers are available for roughly €15–25. Avoid unlicensed taxis; use the official white taxis from the designated rank or a reputable app such as eCabs.

📍 Grand Harbour Hotel, Valletta, Malta

17:30

Check in at Grand Harbour Hotel and freshen up

The Grand Harbour Hotel sits in a prime position with iconic views over the Grand Harbour. Request a harbour-view room for breathtaking vistas. Settle in, shower, and decompress after the long journey.

📍 Grand Harbour Hotel, Valletta, Malta

19:00

Easy first-evening stroll along the Upper Barrakka Gardens for a stunning sunset over the Grand Harbour

This is one of the finest panoramic viewpoints in all of the Mediterranean. The famous noon cannon salute is fired daily — not at this hour, but the terrace is peaceful at sunset. Gardens close around 22:00.

📍 Upper Barrakka Gardens, Valletta, Malta

20:00

Welcome dinner at a traditional Maltese restaurant — enjoy braġjoli (beef olives), fresh grilled fish, and a glass of Maltese Marsovin wine

Nenu the Artisan Baker is celebrated for authentic ftira (Maltese sourdough bread) and traditional recipes. Reservations recommended. Alternatively, Rubino on Old Bakery Street is a local institution for classic Maltese cuisine. Finish with a glass of locally produced Gellewża red wine.

📍 Nenu the Artisan Baker, 143 St Dominic Street, Valletta (or comparable traditional restaurant)

21:30

Gentle evening walk along Republic Street, Valletta's main thoroughfare, before retiring for the night

The baroque streetscape is beautifully lit at night. This is a light, jet-lag-friendly activity. Aim for an early night to reset your body clock ahead of a full day of exploration tomorrow.

📍 Republic Street, Valletta, Malta

07:30

Breakfast at the hotel or at a local café — try ħobż biż-żejt (Maltese bread rubbed with tomatoes and drizzled with olive oil)

Caffe Cordina is one of Malta's most storied cafés, dating to 1837. Their pastizzi (flaky savoury pastries with ricotta or mushy peas) are unmissable for an authentic start to the day.

📍 Grand Harbour Hotel or Caffe Cordina, 244 Republic Street, Valletta

09:00

Guided tour of St. John's Co-Cathedral — marvel at Caravaggio's 'The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist'

Opening hours: Monday–Friday 09:30–16:30, Saturday 09:30–12:30. Admission approximately €15. Arrive early to avoid crowds. Modest dress is required — shoulders and knees must be covered. The cathedral contains two original Caravaggio paintings, a rare treasure.

📍 St. John's Co-Cathedral, St. John Street, Valletta, Malta

10:30

Explore the Grandmaster's Palace and State Rooms

The former seat of the Knights of Malta, now the official residence of the President of Malta. The Armoury houses one of Europe's finest collections of medieval armour. Admission approximately €10. Check for any closures due to official state functions.

📍 Grandmaster's Palace, Republic Street, Valletta, Malta

12:00

Wander the photogenic side streets of Valletta — discover colourful balconies and quiet baroque squares

Valletta's enclosed wooden balconies (gallariji) in painted colours are one of the city's defining visual signatures. Bring your camera. The city is very walkable — most major sites are within a 10-minute walk of each other.

📍 Merchant Street and surrounding lanes, Valletta, Malta

13:00

Lunch at a harbour-side restaurant — order fresh octopus stew (stuffat tal-qarnit) or grilled lampuki (dolphinfish, in season Sept–Oct)

September marks the start of lampuki season — this local white fish is a true Maltese delicacy. Trabuxu Bistro doubles as a wine bar with an excellent selection of Maltese wines. Reservations advisable for lunch.

📍 Rampila Restaurant, St. John's Cavalier, Valletta, or Trabuxu Bistro, Strait Street

14:30

Visit the National Museum of Archaeology — view the iconic Venus of Malta and prehistoric Maltese artefacts

Open daily 09:00–17:00. Admission approximately €5. Highlights include the 'Sleeping Lady' figurine from Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum and relics from Malta's 5,500-year-old megalithic temples. Allow 60–75 minutes.

📍 National Museum of Archaeology, Republic Street, Valletta, Malta

16:00

Visit the Lower Barrakka Gardens and the Siege Bell War Memorial, then explore the Three Cities viewpoint across the harbour

A quieter alternative to the Upper Barrakka, with a lovely neoclassical temple and views towards the Three Cities (Vittoriosa, Cospicua, Senglea). The Siege Bell Memorial commemorates those who died during WWII.

📍 Lower Barrakka Gardens, Valletta, Malta

17:30

Ġbejniet cheese tasting paired with Maltese wine at a local wine bar

Ġbejniet are small rounds of sheep or goat's milk cheese — try them fresh (friski), dried (moxxi), or peppered (tal-bżar). Pair with a glass of chilled Girgentina (indigenous white grape). Is-Suq tal-Belt is a beautifully restored Victorian market hall ideal for this experience.

📍 Maltese Wine Bar or Is-Suq tal-Belt (Valletta Market), Merchants Street, Valletta

19:00

Sunset cocktails on a rooftop terrace with harbour views

The Grand Harbour glows gold at sunset — one of the Mediterranean's most cinematic evening scenes. Order a local Kinnie (bittersweet Maltese soft drink) or a Cisk Lager if you prefer something lighter.

📍 Trabuxu Bistro rooftop or Harbour Club, Valletta

20:30

Dinner at a refined Maltese restaurant focusing on locally sourced seafood and contemporary Maltese cuisine

Legligin is beloved for its creative Maltese tapas-style dishes and excellent local wine list. Booking ahead strongly recommended. Alternatively, Palazzo Preca on Strait Street offers an elegant setting with Mediterranean-influenced menus.

📍 Legligin Wine Bar & Restaurant, 119 St. Lucy Street, Valletta

08:00

Breakfast at the hotel

Fuel up well — today involves significant walking and site-seeing. Wear comfortable shoes with grip for uneven limestone surfaces.

📍 Grand Harbour Hotel, Valletta, Malta

09:00

Day excursion to the ancient walled city of Mdina — the 'Silent City'

Take a direct bus from Valletta Bus Terminus (Bus 51 or 52, approximately 35 minutes, €1.50 each way) or arrange a private driver (approximately €25 return). Mdina was Malta's former capital — a car-free medieval gem perched on a hilltop with panoramic island views.

📍 Mdina, Malta (approximately 13 km west of Valletta)

09:45

Explore Mdina's Cathedral of Saint Paul and the Cathedral Museum

The cathedral was rebuilt in baroque style after a 1693 earthquake. The museum contains Dürer engravings and rare silver. Admission to the museum approximately €5. The cathedral itself has free entry. Try to catch the quiet morning atmosphere before tour groups arrive.

📍 St. Paul's Cathedral, Mdina, Malta

10:45

Wander Mdina's narrow alleyways — discover Palazzo Falson historic house museum

One of Malta's finest medieval palaces, filled with original art, armour, and artefacts. Open Tuesday–Sunday 10:00–17:00. Admission approximately €10. The rooftop terrace offers sweeping views across Malta.

📍 Palazzo Falson, Villegaignon Street, Mdina, Malta

12:00

Lunch in Rabat, the town immediately adjacent to Mdina

Fontanella is perched on Mdina's bastions with stunning views — famous for enormous slices of cake. For a heartier lunch, head to Rabat for local rabbit stew (fenek), the unofficial national dish of Malta.

📍 Fontanella Tea Garden, Bastion Street, Mdina, or local restaurant in Rabat

13:30

Visit St. Paul's Catacombs in Rabat — early Christian underground burial chambers

Open daily 09:00–17:00, admission approximately €5. A fascinating glimpse into Malta's early Christian heritage. The temperature underground is naturally cool — a welcome relief from the afternoon heat.

📍 St. Paul's Catacombs, St. Agatha Street, Rabat, Malta

15:00

Return to Valletta and visit the War Museum (Fort St. Elmo)

Open daily 09:00–17:00. Admission approximately €10. The museum documents Malta's extraordinary WWII story, including the George Cross awarded to the entire island nation. Allow 60–90 minutes. Fort St. Elmo commands dramatic views over the harbour entrances.

📍 Fort St. Elmo — National War Museum, St. Elmo Place, Valletta

17:00

Free time for shopping along Republic Street — pick up local crafts, lace, and Maltese glass

Look for traditional Malta glass (Mdina Glass), hand-made lace (bizzilla), and local honey products. The Malta Artisan Market near Merchants Street is excellent for quality souvenirs.

📍 Republic Street & Merchants Street, Valletta, Malta

19:30

Pre-dinner Aperol Spritz or local Cisk beer at a Strait Street bar — once Valletta's legendary 'The Gut' entertainment strip

Strait Street has been brilliantly revived as a bar and restaurant hub while retaining its WWII-era seafarers' charm. A great atmosphere as the evening cools down.

📍 Strait Street, Valletta, Malta

20:30

Dinner celebrating Maltese seafood — try torta tal-lampuki (lampuki fish pie) or seafood linguine

Rubino is a Valletta institution for classic Maltese home cooking in an elegant setting. Their seasonal menus feature local catch. Reservations essential — book at least a day ahead.

📍 TemptAsian or Rubino Restaurant, Old Bakery Street, Valletta

07:30

Early breakfast at the hotel

An early start is essential to beat the heat and make the most of today's boat excursion. Apply sunscreen and bring a hat, light layers, and swimwear.

📍 Grand Harbour Hotel, Valletta, Malta

08:30

Depart for Wied iż-Żurrieq for Blue Grotto boat excursion

Take a direct bus (Bus 38 from Valletta, approximately 40 minutes) or arrange a taxi/private car (approximately €20 each way). The Blue Grotto boat trips run from approximately 09:00, weather permitting. Morning light creates the best phosphorescent blue effect inside the sea caves.

📍 Wied iż-Żurrieq, Southern Malta (approximately 25 km from Valletta)

09:30

Blue Grotto boat tour — drift through sea caves of luminescent azure blue

Small rowing boat tours last approximately 20–25 minutes. Cost approximately €8–10 per person. The water is crystal clear and the cave light effects are most spectacular in the morning. Trips may be cancelled in rough sea conditions — check locally on the day.

📍 Blue Grotto, Wied iż-Żurrieq, Malta

10:30

Drive or bus to the nearby Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum — a 5,500-year-old underground prehistoric temple

CRITICALLY IMPORTANT: Entry is strictly limited to 10 people per session and must be pre-booked online via heritagemalta.org well in advance — sometimes months ahead. Admission approximately €35. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the world's most extraordinary prehistoric monuments. Allow 60–90 minutes.

📍 Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, Burial Street, Paola, Malta

12:30

Lunch at a local restaurant in the south of Malta before returning to Valletta

If time permits, take a short detour to Marsaxlokk — Malta's most picturesque fishing village — for a harbourside lunch of the freshest seafood. The village is famous for its colourful luzzu fishing boats.

📍 Local restaurant near Marsaxlokk fishing village

14:30

Return to Valletta — visit the Malta Experience audiovisual show at Mediterranean Conference Centre

A 45-minute audiovisual journey through 7,000 years of Maltese history. Shows run approximately every hour. Admission approximately €13. An informative and air-conditioned afternoon activity — perfect for the hottest part of the day.

📍 The Malta Experience, Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta, Malta

16:30

Afternoon swimming at St. Peter's Pool — one of Malta's most beautiful natural sea pools

If energy permits and you haven't already visited the south today, this stunning natural limestone lido is an unmissable Maltese experience. Alternatively, enjoy a swim at Balluta Bay in St. Julian's (closer to Valletta). No entry fee; bring your own towel.

📍 St. Peter's Pool, Marsaxlokk Peninsula, Malta (approximately 20 km from Valletta)

19:00

Return to hotel, shower, and prepare for a special farewell dinner in Valletta

Take time to pack and prepare for tomorrow's early afternoon departure to Montenegro. Check your flight details: departure from MLA at 15:15.

📍 Grand Harbour Hotel, Valletta, Malta

20:00

Farewell dinner in Valletta — a memorable final Maltese evening with local wine and seafood

Splurge on a final Maltese feast — try Aljotta (garlic fish soup), grilled swordfish or tuna, and finish with kannoli tal-irkotta (Maltese ricotta pastry). Toast to Malta with a glass of Meridiana Isis white wine, one of the island's finest.

📍 Harbour Club or Palazzo Preca, Strait Street, Valletta, Malta

07:30

Breakfast at the hotel and final packing

Standard hotel checkout is typically 11:00–12:00. Arrange a late checkout if possible, or store luggage with the concierge. Enjoy a leisurely final Maltese breakfast.

📍 Grand Harbour Hotel, Valletta, Malta

09:00

Final morning walk along the Grand Harbour waterfront — last views of Valletta's magnificent fortifications

The Valletta Waterfront at Pinto Wharf is a beautifully restored 18th-century row of warehouses now housing cafés and shops. A perfect final memory of Malta — dramatic stone bastions rising from the water.

📍 Valletta Waterfront, Pinto Wharf, Valletta, Malta

10:30

Final souvenir shopping or visit to Is-Suq tal-Belt market

Stock up on Maltese sea salt, ġbejniet cheese (vacuum-packed for travel), honey, and local wines. The market is open daily.

📍 Is-Suq tal-Belt, Merchants Street, Valletta, Malta

12:00

Check out of Grand Harbour Hotel and transfer to Malta International Airport

Allow 30 minutes for the transfer. Arrive at MLA no later than 13:15 for the 15:15 departure. Use an official taxi or pre-booked transfer (approximately €15–25).

📍 Malta International Airport (MLA), Gudja, Malta

13:15

Arrive at Malta International Airport, check in, and clear security for flight to Tivat

Check your airline's baggage allowance. Montenegro is not in the EU — ensure your passport is ready. Browse the airport's duty-free for last-minute Maltese spirits or wine.

📍 Malta International Airport (MLA), Gudja, Malta

15:15

Depart Malta International Airport (MLA) bound for Tivat Airport (TIV), Montenegro

Flight duration approximately 1.5–2 hours. Note: arrival datetime at TIV is listed as 2026-09-07T07:40 — confirm your full routing and any overnight stopover with your carrier, as this may involve a connection with an overnight leg.

📍 Malta International Airport (MLA), Gudja, Malta

22:00

Overnight in transit or at a connecting airport hotel if required

Based on the itinerary data, the flight from MLA departs at 15:15 on September 6 but arrives at TIV at 07:40 on September 7 — confirming an overnight connection. Arrange a comfortable airport hotel at your layover hub. Most major European airports have on-site hotels bookable in advance.

📍 Connecting Airport (e.g., Rome FCO, Istanbul IST, or Belgrade BEG)

07:40

Arrive at Tivat Airport (TIV), Montenegro

Clear passport control and collect luggage. Montenegro uses the Euro (EUR) despite not being an EU member. The currency is widely accepted. Convert some cash before departure from Malta if needed.

📍 Tivat Airport (TIV), Tivat, Montenegro

08:15

Transfer from Tivat Airport to MAISON W Hotel, Kotor — approximately 25 km via the spectacular Bay of Kotor road

The drive from Tivat to Kotor hugs the shoreline of the Bay of Kotor (Boka Kotorska) — often described as southern Europe's only fjord. Pre-arrange a private transfer (approximately €25–35) for the most comfortable and scenic arrival. Journey time approximately 30–40 minutes.

📍 MAISON W Hotel, Kotor, Montenegro

09:00

Check in at MAISON W Hotel, Kotor, freshen up after travel

MAISON W is a boutique property in or near Kotor's UNESCO-listed Old Town. Request a room with Old Town or bay views if available. Store luggage if your room isn't ready and head out to explore.

📍 MAISON W Hotel, Kotor, Montenegro

10:00

First exploration of Kotor Old Town — enter through the Sea Gate and explore the Romanesque maze of medieval streets

Kotor's walled old city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enter via the Sea Gate (Vrata od Mora) carved with the date 1555 and a Venetian winged lion relief. The town is compact but extraordinarily rich — give yourself time to get wonderfully lost.

📍 Kotor Old Town (Stari Grad), Kotor, Montenegro

10:30

Visit the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon — Kotor's 12th-century Romanesque masterpiece

Open daily approximately 08:00–19:00. Small admission fee (approximately €3). The cathedral's treasury contains stunning Byzantine gold and silverwork. The building survived the 1979 earthquake and was meticulously restored.

📍 Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, Arms Square, Kotor Old Town

11:30

Explore St. Luke's Square and the Church of St. Luke — an example of Kotor's dual Catholic-Orthodox heritage

St. Luke's Church (12th century) uniquely served both Catholic and Orthodox communities at different points in history. The square is one of Kotor's most photogenic — look for the authentic medieval well at its centre.

📍 St. Luke's Square, Kotor Old Town, Montenegro

12:30

Lunch at a traditional konoba (tavern) in the Old Town — try Kotor's famous black risotto and grilled Adriatic fish

Black risotto (crni rižot) made with cuttlefish ink is the signature dish of the Boka Bay. Fresh octopus salad and grilled branzino (sea bass) are equally celebrated. Konoba Scala Santa has a lovely shaded courtyard — ideal for the midday heat.

📍 Konoba Scala Santa or Restaurant Galion, Kotor Old Town

14:00

Climb the Fortification Walls of Kotor to the Castle of San Giovanni for breathtaking panoramic views

The climb involves approximately 1,350 steps — allow 45–60 minutes up and 30–45 minutes down. Admission approximately €8. Start no later than 16:00 to enjoy cool light. Bring water, wear non-slip shoes, and take your time. The views of the bay, the old town, and the surrounding mountains are absolutely spectacular.

📍 Kotor City Walls & Castle of San Giovanni, Kotor, Montenegro

16:00

Cool down with a gelato or cold drink in Arms Square (Trg od Oružja) — Kotor's lively central plaza

The Clock Tower (1602) and the Venetian-era buildings framing the square make for beautiful afternoon photography. Watch the world go by while recovering from the wall climb.

📍 Arms Square (Trg od Oružja), Kotor Old Town

17:00

Visit the Maritime Museum of Montenegro — tracing Kotor's extraordinary seafaring history

Open Monday–Friday 09:00–18:00, Saturday–Sunday 09:00–13:00. Admission approximately €4. Housed in the 18th-century Grgurina Palace, the museum documents Kotor's role as one of the Adriatic's most important maritime powers under Venice.

📍 Maritime Museum of Montenegro, Grgurina Street, Kotor Old Town

19:00

Sunset drinks at a bay-facing terrace café

The Bay of Kotor at sunset — with its surrounding limestone mountains reflected in the calm water — is a scene of rare beauty. Order a local Niksicko beer or a glass of Vranac (Montenegro's signature red wine).

📍 Old Town walls waterfront terrace, Kotor, Montenegro

20:30

Dinner at a waterfront restaurant along the Kotor promenade

Restaurant Galion sits right on the water just outside the Old Town walls and is considered one of Kotor's finest dining experiences. Specialities include shellfish from the Boka Bay, fresh lobster, and sea urchin. Advance reservation strongly recommended. Alternatively, Stari Mlini in nearby Ljuta village is a celebrated seafood restaurant worth the short drive.

📍 Restaurant Galion, Suranj Bay, outside Kotor Old Town walls

08:00

Breakfast at the hotel or at a local café in the Old Town

Try burek (flaky pastry with meat or cheese) from a local bakery — a Balkan breakfast staple. Fuel up for a full day exploring the Bay of Kotor.

📍 MAISON W Hotel or local café, Kotor Old Town

09:00

Boat excursion around the Bay of Kotor — visit Our Lady of the Rocks island church

Take a taxi or local bus to Perast (approximately 20 minutes), then hire a small water taxi (approximately €5 per person return) to the man-made island of Gospa od Škrpjela (Our Lady of the Rocks). The baroque church dates to 1630 and contains extraordinary votive paintings. The island and its twin (the natural islet of St. George) are one of the Adriatic's most iconic images.

📍 Perast Harbour, Bay of Kotor (approximately 17 km from Kotor)

10:30

Explore the gorgeous baroque village of Perast — a time-capsule of Venetian-era palaces on the bay

Perast once boasted 19 churches and 17 palaces for a population of just 1,600 — testament to its extraordinary maritime wealth. The town has no cars on its main street. Walk along the waterfront and admire the crumbling Venetian grandeur.

📍 Perast, Bay of Kotor, Montenegro

12:00

Lunch in Perast with bay views

Freshwater mussels (dagnje) from the Bay of Kotor are a local speciality — the confluence of sea and river water creates uniquely flavoured shellfish. Both restaurants listed are excellent and have waterfront seating.

📍 Restaurant Conte or Antika, Perast, Bay of Kotor

13:30

Drive along the Bay of Kotor to Herceg Novi — the garden city at the mouth of the bay

Hire a taxi or arrange a private driver for the day (approximately €60–80 all-in). Herceg Novi is famed for its mimosa trees and fort-studded hillside. The old town Herceg Novi is charming and far less visited than Kotor.

📍 Herceg Novi, Montenegro (approximately 40 km from Perast)

14:30

Explore Herceg Novi Old Town — Kanli-Kula Fortress and Sat Kula clock tower

Kanli-Kula (Bloody Tower) is a 16th-century Ottoman fortress now used as an open-air theatre. The views from its walls extend across the bay entrance to Croatia's coastline. The pedestrianised old town has lovely café terraces and local craft shops.

📍 Herceg Novi Old Town, Montenegro

16:00

Swimming stop at a bay beach — Žanjic Beach or Mirišta Cove near Herceg Novi

The Bay of Kotor's sheltered waters are calm, warm (around 25°C in September), and crystal-clear. Žanjic is accessible by water taxi from Herceg Novi (approximately €5 each way). A perfect afternoon swim with dramatic mountain backdrop.

📍 Žanjic Beach, near Herceg Novi, Montenegro

18:00

Return to Kotor by taxi along the scenic bay road

The drive back follows the entire inner sweep of the bay — a supremely scenic route with the limestone Orjen and Lovćen massifs mirrored in the water. Allow 60–75 minutes depending on traffic.

📍 Bay of Kotor road, Montenegro

19:30

Refresh at the hotel and begin final packing for tomorrow's early departure

Flight from Tivat (TIV) departs at 08:25 tomorrow morning. Set an early alarm — aim to be at the airport by 06:30 at the latest. Arrange a taxi the night before.

📍 MAISON W Hotel, Kotor, Montenegro

20:30

Final farewell dinner in Kotor Old Town — savour the best of Montenegrin cuisine one last time

Order a full spread: njeguški pršut (Montenegrin dry-cured ham from Mount Lovćen), kačamak (cornmeal with sour cream and sheep's cheese), grilled Adriatic prawns, and a bottle of local Plantaže Vranac Pro Corde red wine. Konoba Cattaro has superb local atmosphere inside the old town walls.

📍 Konoba Cattaro or Bastion Restaurant, Kotor Old Town, Montenegro

22:00

Final evening stroll through the illuminated Kotor Old Town — a last lingering look at the medieval magic

The old town at night is extraordinarily atmospheric — stone walls glowing amber, cats weaving through ancient alleyways (Kotor is famous for its cats — look for the Cat Museum!). Retire early for tomorrow's early departure.

📍 Kotor Old Town, Montenegro

05:30

Wake up, final preparations, and check out of MAISON W Hotel

Arrange with the hotel for a very early checkout. Most boutique hotels will accommodate this with advance notice. Have your luggage ready the night before to minimise morning stress.

📍 MAISON W Hotel, Kotor, Montenegro

06:00

Pre-arranged taxi transfer from Kotor Old Town to Tivat Airport (TIV)

Journey approximately 30–40 minutes. Book your taxi the evening before through your hotel concierge. Cost approximately €25–35. Arrive at TIV no later than 06:30 for the 08:25 departure.

📍 Tivat Airport (TIV), Tivat, Montenegro

06:30

Arrive at Tivat Airport — check in and clear security for the flight to Chicago

Tivat is a small, manageable airport. Security is generally swift. Have your passport and boarding passes ready. Purchase any last-minute Montenegrin souvenirs — local honey, truffles, or Lozovača brandy — from the airport shops.

📍 Tivat Airport (TIV), Tivat, Montenegro

08:25

Depart Tivat Airport (TIV) bound for Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)

Scheduled arrival at ORD on 2026-09-09 at 14:30 local time. This likely involves one or more connections through a European hub. Confirm your full routing with your carrier. Enjoy the aerial views of the Bay of Kotor as you depart — a final, spectacular farewell.

📍 Tivat Airport (TIV), Tivat, Montenegro

14:30

Arrive at Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)

Clear US customs and immigration. Welcome home! If flying from Europe, you may need to complete a customs declaration form. The Blue Line CTA train runs directly from O'Hare to downtown Chicago for a convenient, affordable transfer into the city.

📍 Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), Chicago, IL, USA

11-Day Valletta → Valletta → Kotor Itinerary — Autumn 2026 - Malta to Montenegro Adriatic Voyage

Day 1 — 2026-09-01

Day 2 — 2026-09-02

Day 3 — 2026-09-03

Day 4 — 2026-09-04

Day 5 — 2026-09-05

Day 6 — 2026-09-06

Day 7 — 2026-09-07

Day 8 — 2026-09-08

Day 9 — 2026-09-09

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