Immersion in Monténégro

Arrival at Podgorica or Tivat airport. You pick up your rental car directly at the airport, then head towards Kotor.

Upon arrival, you settle into your guesthouse.

Visit of Kotor, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Marked by numerous influences over the centuries, the city testifies to a rich history through its architecture, between the Saint-Tryphon cathedral, its picturesque streets and its ramparts extending over 4.5 kilometers.

A former major port and important commercial center of the Adriatic, Kotor is today a remarkably well-preserved medieval urban ensemble. Founded in Roman times, the city has been known by its current name since the 7th century.

Not far from Kotor, you set off to discover Perast, a baroque town whose elegant buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries testify to its rich maritime past. At that time, the town had more than a hundred merchant ships and its captains had beautiful villas built, still visible today.

Perast was also a recognized naval training center, where Russian aristocrats came to develop their maritime skills. Facing the town stand two small islets, built by its inhabitants. You can board a boat to reach the Island of Our Lady of the Rocks and visit its church-museum.

Departure from Kotor towards Njegusi, birthplace of the last Montenegrin dynasty Petrovic, taking the old winding road, known for its thirty bends.

This narrow road, punctuated by numerous hairpin turns, is one of the country's iconic routes. It offers beautiful views of the bay and the city of Kotor throughout the journey.

In Njegusi, don't hesitate to stop at one of the inns for lunch and discover local specialties, such as smoked ham, Njegusi cheese or honey.

Continuation to the Njegos Mausoleum located in the Lovcen National Park. Perched on one of the highest peaks of Mount Lovcen, it offers an extensive view over a large part of Monténégro's territory.

To access it, you climb a staircase of 461 steps.

Departure for Cetinje, former royal capital of Monténégro, today known as a museum-city due to its numerous museums and art galleries.

You discover a city with typical architecture, composed of one or two-storey houses, surrounded by lush vegetation. Formerly, Cetinje housed twelve embassies. It is also here that the first printed book of the Balkans, the first hospital and the first hotel of Monténégro were born. The city is also home to the country's first government palace and the current residence of the president.

We recommend you visit the King Nikola Museum.

Continuation towards Budva. The architecture of its old town notably reflects the Venetian influences that marked its history.

Take the opportunity during your visit to explore this old town surrounded by ramparts, known for its narrow streets and particular atmosphere. First mentioned in the 4th century BC, Budva was built on a peninsula.

You will discover stone houses and churches, small streets as well as gardens surrounded by walls, characteristic of a medieval seaside town.

Not far from Budva is Sveti Stefan, a fortified former fishing village built in the 15th century on a rocky islet. Originally, it served as a refuge for inhabitants against Ottoman incursions. The settlement developed thanks to the wealth accumulated by the Pastrovic tribe, particularly through attacks launched against Turkish galleys at Jaz.

Connected to the mainland by a sandy strip, the islet features distinctive architecture that gives it a particular character. Transformed into a hotel town in the 1960s, the Sveti Stefan peninsula remains accessible, with a paid entrance fee.

Hotel check-out and departure from Kotor heading north to Monténégro, passing through the capital Podgorica and crossing the Morača canyon.

Stop to visit the Morača Monastery, built in 1252. This site is among the country's main spiritual, historical and cultural monuments. You can notably observe many frescoes there, including that of the Last Judgment, located above the main entrance.

Night in Kolasin with a local family, in wooden cottages.

The site is located approximately 3 km from Kolasin town center. Nearby, you will find a small stream, as well as the railway line that overlooks the surroundings.

Continuation towards the BIOGRADSKA GORA national park, one of Europe's last primeval forests.

You discover a preserved natural environment, surrounded by century-old trees. Biograd Lake, located at 1,094 meters altitude in a former glacial valley, is fed by the Biogradska River and the Bendovac stream. You can walk around the lake on a trail of approximately three kilometers, or continue to the top of Bendovac to enjoy a clear view of the surrounding area.

The lake extends 1,100 meters long and 410 meters wide, with an average depth of 4.5 meters. You enjoy a peaceful setting, between mountain air and reflections of the surrounding landscapes in the emerald-tinted waters.

Possibility to organize a hike

Return to Kolasin.

Departure from the village after breakfast heading to Zabljak. You travel along the Tara River canyon, recognized for the quality of its waters and for the depth of its canyon, which reaches approximately 1,300 meters and ranks among the deepest in the world. This site is protected by UNESCO.

Stop at the Djurdjevica Tara bridge to enjoy the view of the canyon. For those who wish, there is the possibility of ziplining over the Tara River.

Continuation towards Zabljak, then towards your accommodation located in Nadgora, in the heart of the national park.

Departure after breakfast heading towards the Ostrog Monastery, passing through Savnik and Niksic.

Built in 1665, this monastery is one of the most important religious sites in Monténégro. It is dedicated to Saint Basil of Ostrog (Sveti Vasilije Ostroški), whose relics rest here and are associated with healing properties. Although Orthodox, the site welcomes visitors of different faiths.

At the end of the day, arrival in Godinje, a small village located near Lake Skadar, the largest lake in the Balkans, and Skadar National Park.

The village preserves the remains of the former residence of the Balsic dynasty, dating from the 14th century. In this region, around the lake, the indigenous Vranac grape variety developed, widely recognized in the Balkans.

Head to the small fishing village of Virpazar, located on the banks of Lake Skadar, the largest lake in the Balkans. You can enjoy a boat ride to observe birds, the surrounding nature, and the islets scattered across the lake.

Lake Skadar is an important reserve for migratory birds and is among the main migration sites in Europe. This body of water is part of a national park covering 44,000 hectares, with wetland areas listed on the Ramsar list.

Also rich in fish, Lake Skadar is recognized both for its biodiversity and its role in preserving natural ecosystems.

Breakfast at your accommodation, then check-out.

Depending on your flight schedule, you head to Tivat or Podgorica airport. You return your rental car before proceeding with check-in formalities for your return flight.