Current as of: May 13, 2019 - 15:49 Valid for departures: From June 25, 2018 to December 31, 2030

Highlights of Walk Trip Notes

 Ways to Travel: Guided Group 8 Days Land only Trip Code:  Destinations: Montenegro Min age: 13 Moderate  Programmes: Walking & Trekking W07MG

Trip Overview

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!

At a Glance

 7 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of hotels  All buffet , 4 and 6 evening  Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent  Services of an experienced walking guide  tasting  All entrance fees and 2 boat trips

 Countries visited: Montenegro

Trip Highlights

 Contrasting walks: alpine hamlets, lakeside villages, the beauty of the Adriatic Coast  UNESCO-protected Tara Canyon: Europe's deepest and most scenic  Thundering waterfalls, glacial lakes, emerald rock pools, fjord-like bays  Baroque churches, Venetian palaces, well-preserved medieval walled towns  Abundance of plant and wildlife; rare birds of prey; Mediterranean and Alpine micro-climates

Is This Trip for You?

Classification: Guided Average daily distance on move on days: 9.8km (6.3miles). No. of days Walking: 6 Terrain: 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.

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 (great for bird-spotting) and the shores of tranquil Kotor Bay with its famous islets.

Excellent choice for:

Flora & fauna, art & history, swimming opportunities, solo travellers, couples, coastal routes, high peaks, lake & river routes

Adult min age: 13

Itinerary

Land Only

Start City: Podgorica End City: Podgorica

Land Only Itinerary Day 1 Arrive in Zabljak

Arrive in the high Balkan mountain town of Zabljak (1450m) and your 4-star hotel. (Hotel Polar Star or Hotel Zabljak)

Meals included: Dinner

Day 2 Durmitor National Park 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. (Hotel Polar Star or Hotel Zabljak)

Meals included: , Dinner

Distance covered: 14 km / 9 miles

Day 3 Tara River Canyon 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 (Staying at Bianca Resort & Spa, Half Board)

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Distance covered: 14 km / 9 miles

Day 4 Lovcen National Park 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 '' village of Njegusi, famous for its , 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. (Staying at Hotel Conte, Half Board)

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Distance covered: 10 km / 6.5 miles Day 5 City of Kotor and Bay of Kotor 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. En route, we'll stop in Niksic, home to Montenegro's most popular (and only homegrown) brewery. 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. (Staying at Hotel Conte, Half Board)

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Distance covered: 5 km / 3 miles

Day 6 Lake Skadar and Godinje 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 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 , pay locally (Staying at Hotel Conte, Breakfast only)