Trip code: W07MG 4.7 (42 reviews)
Guided group walking
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 1+
Leisurely plus
Flights
available
30.0Kg CO2e
Printed route
directions
Montenegro may be tiny, but it sure packs a punch! Lying in the south Adriatic - bordering Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Albania - it is arguably one of the most diverse, interesting and alluring countries in Europe, and is crammed with cultural heritage, architectural treasures and jaw-dropping natural beauty.
Our weeks walking is a glorious and contrasting mix. Starting in the mountainous north, we explore first the vast Durmitor National Park, with its glacial lakes, dense forests - with masses of endemic species - sparkling streams and fast flowing rivers. We visit the Tara Canyon (a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and the second deepest canyon in the world at 1300m, after Arizona's Grand Canyon) to survey one of nature's best-kept secrets from a viewpoint 1200m above the crystal clear Tara River, granting panoramic vistas over the whole plateau!
For the second part of our trip we head south, to the warm shores of the Adriatic - described by Lord Byron as 'the most beautiful encounter between land and sea' - where pretty coastal villages cling vertiginously to rock walls that jut dramatically from the sea. We stay in Venetian Perast, considered the prettiest town in Montenegro, and relax by the water's edge after exploring some of its 18 historic churches. For a totally different perspective, we'll also take boat trips around Lake Skadar (great for bird-spotting) and the shores of tranquil Kotor Bay with its famous islets.
Evening meals are included on all nights except for one where we've left you free to enjoy dinner at leisure at a restaurant of your choice.
Walks involve a mixture of woodland and forest trails, open meadows and country roads. While not challenging, short sections are rocky. The walk around Kotor's walls will take place at a gentle pace but involves steps to the top. Walking boots are recommended.
Arrive in the high Balkan mountain town of Zabljak (1450m) and your hotel.
You stay at Hotel Prilitor.
Visa
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Located in the town of Zabljak, the modern and stylish Apartments & Restaurant Pirlitor offers large rooms, a restaurant, a bar, a shared lounge and a garden.
Swimming in the glacial Crno Jezero (Black Lake), walking through deciduous forest - keep your eyes peeled for various eagles in the skies above - and a picnic in the shadow of the Medjed Peak are just some of today's highlights as we explore the heart of the Durmitor National Park. Formed by glaciers, and traversed by a multitude of rivers, lakes and underground streams, the park is also home to one of the last virgin black pine forests in Europe with fauna including brown bear, wild cat, chamois and capercaillie.
You stay at Bianca Resort & Spa.
PoolHairdryerWiFiTVMinibar
Safe
Rustic in design combining the ambience of a ski lodge with 4 star comforts, this elegant resort is situated right in the centre of the town of Kolasin surrounded by pine trees and stunning mountain views.
Comfortable rooms include satellite TV and minibar and mountain views. There is also a huge pool and fitness room.
Room upgrades: Superior Room, Executive Room
A feast for the eyes of both keen and novice photographers this morning as we stroll the woods and meadows up to the spectacular Tara River Canyon, the deepest in Europe (1300m) and arguably the most beautiful river canyon in the world. Part of the Durmitor National Park and a protected UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, it boasts 40+ tumbling waterfalls, 80+ large caves, rapids, lakes and dense forest harbouring an abundance of plant and wildlife. Enjoy a picnic at Curevac, then we transfer you to Kolasin where you spend the night with dinner included
You stay at Hotel Conte.
Mastercard
AmExHairdryerWiFiTVMinibar
AirconSafe
Tea/coffee
Lying right by the water's edge and boasting one of the area's best restaurants is the historic Hotel Conte. The hotel was once the Venetian town hall but was converted into a stylish hotel by the current owner in 2010. The restaurant is right at the water's edge with simply stunning views of the Verige straight and the tiny islands of St George and Our-Lady-of-the-Rocks. In the morning boats can often be seen mooring here to look at the menu and visit some of the town's 18 churches, the church of Saint Nicholas being just a few steps from the hotel.
Room upgrades: Junior Suite or Apartments.
Junior suite with sea view, Apartment with sea view, 2 Bed apartment with sea view or 3 Bed apartment with terrace & outdoor jacuzzi.
A scenic serpentine road takes us up (45 mins) to the Lovcen National Park with over 6,000 hectares of natural contrasts: imposing snow-capped peaks, stunning coastal views, 2000+ plants, 85 species of butterfly and over 200 bird types including many regal birds of prey. Besides its natural beauties, the park protects a rich, cultural and architectural heritage too, including authentic katuns - summer cottages for cattle breeders. We walk up to the mausoleum of Prince- Bishop Petar II Petrovic-Njegos - the ruler, poet and philosopher credited with having modernised Montenegro. We then continue to his birthplace - the picturesque mountain 'food' village of Njegusi, famous for its cheeses, honey and dried smoked hams, before a transfer to Perast and the Hotel Conte, your home for the next 4 nights. Dinner at the hotel is included tonight.
Wedged between brooding mountains and the gorgeous bay, the historic city of Kotor is a UNESCO listed Natural and Culturo-Historical Region. Within the ancient walls its labyrinthine streets reveal some of the finest examples of medieval architecture: Romanesque churches, Venetian piazzas, San Giovanni castle and other cultural monuments. In the afternoon we take a scenic drive south west to the coast. This is followed by a relaxed afternoon on the water exploring the gorgeous sheltered Bay of Kotor and its postcard-pretty medieval villages, ancient coastal settlements and tiny man-made island of 'Our Lady of the Rocks' whose famous church is steeped in maritime history.
A 90-minute drive this morning takes us past pretty coastal villages and wonderful mountain scenery, then on to the warm waters of Lake Skadar on the Albania-Montenegro border. Flanked by small orchards and vineyards, this is the largest lake in the Balkan Peninsula, and is one of the most important reserves for wetland birds in Europe. After a circular walk up to the wine village of Godinje - we'll take a boat tour on the lake to view the area's wild beauty from the water. Think verdant hills rising from the lake, old world villages peppering the shores, an abandoned 14th century monastery on its own tiny island and whiskered terns building their nests on floating water lilies. Choose your restaurant for tonight's evening meal, pay locally
Start the day with a 50 minute transfer to Trojica to begin today's hike to the top of Vrmac Mountain where we can enjoy views of Kotor Bay. We transfer you back to your hotel in Perast in time for dinner (included).
We do not currently have departure dates and prices available on-line. The season may have ended for this tour, or we are still in the process of adding these details to our website.
Please contact our sales team on 01606 720199 to for further details or to discuss alternavie trip options.
Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment. *Unfortunately, due to the airline themselves we are unable to book Ryanair.
Guided group walking
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 1+
Leisurely plus
Flights
available
30.0Kg CO2e
Printed route
directions
