Pearl of the Balkans - Active holidays in Montenegro

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Arrival

  

  Arrival at the airport, where you will pick up your rental car to reach your accommodation in the Lake Skadar region. Option 1: Kayak rental. Exceptional local dinner with wine tasting for a perfect welcome to the country. Accommodation: Guest house in the Lake Skadar region (dinner) Distance by car and approximate duration: 30km, 40min

• day 2

  The southern charm of Bar and Ulcinj

  

  This adventure takes us to the old town of Bar. It is the only fortified coastal town that is not located on the coast, because of the pirates of the past. The old town has seen many rulers, from the Byzantines to the Venetians, as well as the Ottomans and the Montenegrins, all of whom have had their own influence on the architectural style. You will feel a sense of warmth and wonder as you stroll through the town's narrow stone streets. Option 2: Ulcinj Salt Pans - the bird paradise (3h) These wetlands are home to 241 different bird species, including flamingos, which are the jewels of the region for birdwatching. This cycling excursion is guided by one of the local photographers, who will give you some tips and tricks to find the best angles and take the most beautiful photos. Accommodation: Guest house in the Skadar Lake region (breakfast and lunch) Car distance and approximate duration: 140km, 2h40min

• day 3

  Cruise on Lake Skadar

  

  Cruise on the lake (3h), colored with water lilies and water caltrops, making its way through a small jungle of canals towards the monastery island. Passing between the islands of goats and sheep, we will reach the only sacred place in the lake region, which has never been destroyed and dates back to the 15th century. Beautiful views of the lake landscape, but also a quick glimpse of the tombs of the rulers belonging to the Crnojević dynasty, as well as some cattle raised by the monks of the monastery. Before returning, we will stop to enjoy swimming. Option 3: 5h with lunch. In the afternoon, possibility to visit the village of Rijeka Crnojevica. Accommodation: Guest house in the Skadar lake region (breakfast) Car distance and approximate duration: 20km, 30min

• day 4

  Canyons and mountains of the north

  

  Head towards the capital Podgorica, then follow the Morača canyon into the mountains. First stop at the Morača Monastery, dating from the 12th century: stroll through the gardens and admire the 13th-century frescoes. From there, the road quickly climbs up to the Bjelasica plateau, offering breathtaking views along the canyon. Lunch at a local family's farm, in a stunning rural setting. Enjoy homemade local dishes, as well as local wine and artisanal brandy (Rakija). After lunch, get back on the road and visit the primeval forest of Biogradska Gora, with a beautiful glacial lake located in the heart of the national park. Accommodation: overnight stay with a very welcoming family (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) Distance by car and approximate duration: 210km, 4h30min

• day 5

  Hiking in the Bjelasica lakes

  

  A little relaxation in the meadows of this beautiful mountain. Visit to the glacial lakes of Bjelasica. For those who are not afraid of slightly colder water, bring swimsuits to cool off in one of the lakes. Approximate duration of 4 to 5 hours, with 560 m of elevation gain and a few springs along the way. - With a non-French-speaking guide. Optional: Ascent of Crna Glava - the highest peak of Bjelasica Hiking duration/elevation: 9 km, +600 m ascent, -700 m descent Option 4: Horseback riding During your stay in Bjelasica, we suggest horseback riding through the meadows and forests above Berane. The views are magnificent and these gentle animals are excellent companions for our skilled instructors (duration: 2 hours). Accommodation: overnight stay with a very welcoming family (breakfast, dinner) Car distance and approximate duration: 20 km, 30 min

• day 6

  Fly fishing (catch and release)

  

  In the morning, you can explore the surroundings of Plav (which means "flooded place"), with its many springs, lakes, and baths. We recommend ending this beautiful day by going fly fishing in Plav (catch and release). It is a must for both experienced anglers and beginners. You can try fly fishing with professional guidance, where our local experts will assist you. Accommodation: overnight stay with a very welcoming family (breakfast, dinner) Distance by car and approximate duration: 40km, 50min

• day 7

  The heights of Durmitor

  

  Today, head to the far northwest of the country, with varied landscapes and natural wonders. Following the Tara, our route passes through Durmitor National Park. Take a break at the historic Đurđevića Tara Bridge, the gateway to the Durmitor alpine region, for a breathtaking view. For the more adventurous, a zip line crosses the gorge. Option 5: Today, adventure on our electric bikes. With our experienced instructors/guides, hop on the bikes for a 3 to 4 hour circuit and up to 40 km on the Durmitor high plateaus, allowing you to discover other amazing "Eyes of the Mountain" (nickname for our glacial lakes). A must-see visit is to the Black Lake, but we won't hide our recommendations for the other glacial lakes of Durmitor along your way. Accommodation in the Durmitor sector cottages 3* (b&b) - 3 nights (breakfast) Approximate driving distance and duration: 130 km, 2h30min

• day 8

  Rafting on the Tara River and optional explorations

  

  Today, we have planned a truly special adventure. We will take you rafting on the Tara with the best operator in the country. Located at 1500 meters altitude, on the edge of Durmitor National Park, the Tara River is the deepest canyon in the world after the Grand Canyon. An adrenaline rush is guaranteed during this 18 km rafting excursion in the most remote part of the canyon. Your experienced guides will ensure your safety and enjoyment. Option 6: Via ferrata This ferrata is located on the Uvita Greda rock, which is a 10-minute walk from Sedlo, right in the heart of Durmitor National Park. The ferrata starts at an altitude of 2000 m and ends at 2198 m. From the Uvita Greda rock, you can see a large number of peaks in the Durmitor massif, as well as Mount Vojnik, Skoci Djevojka... It is also very likely that we will see some of the wildlife that enriches Durmitor National Park, most likely the wild goats that dominate the region. Each participant is secured by alpine equipment: cables and ropes. All participants receive complete alpine and protective equipment (helmet, belt, and ferrata system, which includes 2 carabiners, a belt connector, and the safety system). All participants are guided by our experienced guides, who are also mountain rescuers (members of the Mountain Service). Option 7: Horseback ride Heading towards Lake Poscensko and the source of the Bukovica River, then riding towards the Vrazije and Riblje lakes, with a return to the starting point. Duration of about 3 h. (breakfast, lunch) Approximate driving distance and duration: 20 km, 30 min

• day 9

  The most beautiful viewpoint of Durmitor

  

  Crvena greda hike. This is an excursion for all ages. Starting at 1700 m altitude, this route will take you past one of the glacial lakes surrounded by pines before bringing you to the summit of the peak, which offers the best view of the Durmitor panorama and its famous Black Lake. This tour can be done as a round trip along the same path (4 km each way) or, depending on your fitness level, can be extended up to 11 km to finish at Black Lake with about 800 m of descent. With a non-French-speaking guide. Elevation gain: +370 m, -370 m (breakfast) Car distance and approximate duration: 20 km, 30 min

• day 10

  Departure

  

  On the way south, don't miss visiting the church and monastery of Ostrog, located in a cave on an almost vertical background, at the top of the Ostroška Greda rock. They are dedicated to Saint Basil of Ostrog, who died there in 1671 and is the subject of many legends. Visit the small chapel in the cave, admire the frescoes in the upper level hall, and marvel at this ideal view over the valley. An imposing natural barrier kept his relics safe during the years of Ottoman occupation. Option 9: Traditional lunch at a goat farm On the way, stop for lunch near Niksic at a charming goat farm, home to two brothers who combine goat cheese production with honey making and beekeeping. You will be served a traditional Montenegrin dinner as well as a specialty of roasted meat and potatoes "under the bell." Return to the airport (breakfast) Driving distance and approximate duration: 150km, 3h