Arrival Day: Skadar Lake National Park Visit, Boat Cruise, Godinje Village & Local Winery, Podgorica

Virpazar - This charming town on the lake’s shore was once a bustling marketplace and is now the main hub for boat excursions on Skadar Lake. It hosts Montenegro’s largest traditional festival dedicated to wine and bleak. Situated at the confluence of two rivers, it is also the site where the antifascist battle in World War II began.

Skadar Lake National Park - Skadar Lake, the largest in the Balkans, is shared by Montenegro and Albania. The national park is renowned for its rich biodiversity, particularly as a bird habitat with around 280 species recorded. The lake has been inhabited for millennia, featuring approximately 50 islands with significant cultural and historical sites, monasteries, fortresses, and traditional fishing villages along its shores. Enjoying a tranquil boat ride on the calm lake, surrounded by water lilies, reeds, and birds, offers perfect relaxation after your flight.

Godinje - After the boat ride, enjoy the scenic views from the lake lookouts, visit Godinje village known for its unique architecture and wine, and explore a fortress dating back to the early Ottoman occupation of Montenegro.

Podgorica - Spend the evening on a walking tour through Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro. Visit the old parts of town, the confluence of two rivers near the city center, Gorica Hill, and the historic church of St. George.

Journey Through the Old Royal Capital Cetinje to UNESCO-Protected Kotor and Surroundings

Cetinje - Once the capital of Montenegro until 1946, Cetinje was the center of free Montenegro during the Ottoman Empire’s dominance in the Balkans. It is the birthplace of the independent Montenegrin state, a town of museums and arts faculties, and the heart of Montenegrin spirituality.

Lovcen National Park - Known for its biodiversity, cultural heritage, and stunning viewpoints over Boka Bay, Lovcen Mountain is as significant to Montenegrins as Olympus is to Greeks. Its second-highest peak hosts the highest mausoleum in Europe, dedicated to Petar Petrovic Njegos II, a ruler, poet, and philosopher.

Kotor - The highlight of the second day is visiting Kotor’s old town, a gem of Venetian architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1980. Stroll through its narrow streets and squares, explore the old churches and cathedrals, and walk along its walls.

Perast - Close to Kotor, Perast is a beautiful baroque town with a rich maritime tradition. Nearby are two islands with historic Catholic churches, also under UNESCO protection.

Ostrog Monastery, Geological Wonders of Durmitor NP, Views of Piva Lake & Canyon

Ostrog Monastery - Located about 45 km from Podgorica at 900 meters above sea level, this spectacular monastery is nestled under the steep cliff of Ostrog Mountain. Founded in the mid-17th century by a monk named Vasilije, it is one of the most visited Orthodox spiritual centers worldwide, attracting people of various faiths. Learn about the church’s role in traditional Montenegrin society, the cult of St. Vasilije, and fresco painting.

Piva Canyon - En route to Durmitor Mountain, stop at observation points offering breathtaking views of the Piva River Canyon and Piva Lake. Enjoy tasting traditional specialties from the Montenegrin mountain region.

Durmitor National Park - Ascend from 50 to 1500 meters above sea level in just a few hours. Begin in Montenegro’s largest urban center and end surrounded by the majestic massif of Durmitor, Montenegro’s most famous mountain. Known for its geological features and natural beauty, it is a national park and a UNESCO site along with Tara River Canyon. The mountain is famous for seasonal cattle settlements called katuns, where stockbreeders stay with their livestock during summer. If weather permits, venture deeper into the mountain. Conclude the day in Zabljak, the highest town in the Balkans.

Zabljak and Its Stunning Surroundings, Tara Canyon Viewpoint, Stećci Tombstones, and Glacier Lakes

Crno Jezero - Spend the second day exploring Durmitor National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its surroundings. Begin at Black Lake, taking a scenic walk around it.

Tara River Canyon - Known as the deepest canyon in Europe and among the deepest worldwide, visit the lookout offering views of the deepest part of Tara Canyon (1330m), surrounded by a beautiful ancient coniferous forest.

Magnificent Tara Bridge and Canyon, Biogradska Gora NP – Ancient Forest and Glacier Lake, Moraca Monastery & Canyon

Tara Bridge - Continue the journey to admire the beauty of Tara Canyon and its highlights. Marvel at the grand bridge over Tara, descend to the river and its rapids, and try the zip-line if desired.

Tara River Canyon - The canyon houses a strictly protected natural reserve of black pine forest. The size and grandeur of these ancient trees, some over 400 years old, are truly impressive.

Biogradska Gora - On the fifth day, visit Biogradska Gora National Park, known for its lake and one of Europe’s largest remaining rainforests. Its rich flora is a key feature. Walk around the lake, take a canoe ride if desired, and embrace the impressive trunks of trees that are 3 to 4 centuries old.

Moraca Monastery - Situated next to the Moraca River, this significant Montenegrin monastery houses some of the most beautiful icons and frescoes in the Balkans. With a rich history spanning 8 centuries, it is one of Montenegro’s most visited monasteries.

• 24/7 assistance
• Transportation in mini van or van
• Boat ride on the 1st day
• Wine tasting
• Bottle of water 0.5l each day
• All fees and taxes
• Dinner
• Breakfast
• Hotel/airport pick-up and drop-off
• Licensed tour guide
• Accommodation for 5 nights (double/triple occupancy)

• Prosciutto & cheese tasting - 10 euro
• Rafting - 50 euro
• Zip line - 20 euro
• Horse riding 1 h - 20 eur
• Lunch, drinks, tips
• Single room use

This five-day tour aims to introduce participants to Montenegro’s most treasured natural and cultural heritage. It features three sites recognized as UNESCO world cultural and natural heritage locations: Kotor, with its distinctive charm and location in the Bay of Boka surrounded by towering cliffs; the Durmitor massif, showcasing stunning relief formations and beautiful glacial lakes; and the enigmatic medieval tombstones known as “Stećci,” which continue to intrigue with their mysteries.

Additionally, the tour includes visits to two more national parks, highlighting the stunning lakes of Skadar and Biogradsko. Participants will marvel at ancient forests and swift creeks, while villages renowned for their architecture and way of life share authentic stories that unveil local traditions.

A highlight of the tour is the breathtaking viewpoints, offering diverse scenery each day. Physically, the tour is not strenuous, and walking will be tailored to each participant’s preference.

Enjoy the journey!

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.