BAY OF CRUISE

Departure from Bar at 8:30 am. A short stop at the viewpoint above the town-hotel of . Boarding in . Unforgettable cruise of will take your breath away with amazing views throughout the day: old naval towns with centuries and even millennia of history and rich cultural heritage, islands, sand and pebble beaches, rocky coves and steep cliffs, olive groves and palm trees, marinas, hotels, apartments… We will pass by the islets of Saint Mark and the Island of Flowers, as well as the beautiful resorts of Krašići and Rose, and the Luštica peninsula, and we will stop at Mirište. You can use this break to swim, or to board one of the boats that will take you to the Blue Cave, where you can swim, dive or enjoy the landscape. Afterwards, we will continue to Herceg Novi, passing by the islet of Mamula, and the Prevlaka peninsula. We will pass by coastal towns and reach the two gems of the Bay of Kotor, off the coast of ancient – the town with unique of baroque architecture in the Adriatic:

St. George is a natural islet, and is home to the remains of a Benedictine monastery from the 12th century and the Church of St. George, which gave the islet its name. The famous Swiss-German symbolist painter Arnold Böcklin made the islet famous in his “Isle of the Dead” series of paintings, which are considered his most notable works. Our Lady of the Rocks (Gospa od Škrpjela) is an artificial islet, based on a mound created around a submerged rock. This unusual island is a result of centuries-old overlapping of legend and tradition, and was made with unselfish assistance from the inhabitants of Perast and other towns in the Bay of Kotor. Its church was constructed in 1630, in place of a previously built smaller church from the second half of the 15th century. The entire surface of the church’s nave was decorated with 68 ceiling and wall paintings, which are the life’s work of Tripo Kokolja from Perast (1661 – 1713). They include the famous “Death of the Virgin”. The of Our Lady of the Rocks was made in 1452 by Lovro Dobričević.

The visitors of this church can also see the unique tapestry, made over 25 years by Jacinta Kunić-Mijović, while waiting for her loved one to return from the sea. She used her hair to make the tapestry, which was gold while she was young and silver as she grew old.

After that we will go to Kotor, the biggest and most well-known town in the Bay of Kotor, which is a UNESCO’s World Heritage Site, owing to the many historical monuments. This is the most beautiful part of the Bay of Kotor, since it is a special combination of natural beauty, tall mountains, the sea, and human-made structures: palaces of once famous seamen, churches and cathedrals, and the unique Kotor walls. Departure for Tivat around 5:30 pm, and return to Bar.

Excursion price includes: transportation, guide, lunch on boat: €65 Excursion price does not include: entrance tickets Trip cost depends on the number of people. This is the price for 8 people.

TOUR OF : Kotor – Njeguši – Driving on the Adriatic highway to Kotor. Visit to the old town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. UNESCO’s protection is a recognition of the cultural heritage of this town, comprising the ensemble of town churches, palaces and buildings, special for their architectural style and unique harmony with the environment. The walls of Kotor, including St John’s Fortress, have been preserved as a landmark of international importance. The 4.5 km long walls protected the town from enemies and pirates. St. Tryphon’s Cathedral is the most recognisable building in all of coastal Montenegro and is a trademark of Kotor. Passing by the palaces of noble families, you will feel the spirit of Venetian culture and architecture. The excursion continues on the steep slopes of Mount Lovćen, up to the viewpoint at 900 metres above sea level, with a spectacular view of the Bay of Kotor, one of the 25 most beautiful bays in the world. The winding road then leads to the village of Njeguši – cradle of prince-bishops and rulers from the Petrović dynasty. Tasting of typical national specialties: Njeguši cheese and dry-cured ham with homemade bread and homemade wine or mead. The path continues through the “sea of stone” and leads to Cetinje, the old royal capital of Montenegro, the place which best preserves the spirit and tradition of the Montenegrin people. The story of Cetinje will take you back to the 15th century. In order to save his people from Ottoman onslaught and protect Orthodox religion and culture, the great ruler Ivan Crnojević left the fertile grounds of and found refuge at the foot of rocky Mount Lovćen. Having built his castle and monastery, he founded the new seat of Montenegro and Montenegrin Metropolitanate, the town of Cetinje. The Petrović dynasty constantly fought against the Ottomans for the independence of their homeland, a feat they achieved in late 19th century. At the Berlin Congress in 1878, Montenegro was recognised as an independent state. This little town still keeps evidence of the secular and spiritual rule of the Petrović dynasty. Many European countries had their embassies in this little town. Every house on the main square reveals a part of Montenegrin history.The Biljarda – residence of prince-bishop, famous writer and philosopher Petar II Petrović Njegoš. It was named after the billiards table that Petar II bought in Vienna. It was in this house that Petar II wrote down his thoughts and finished his masterpiece, “Mountain Wreath”. The Castle of King Nikola will allow you to get to know the life of the Petrović royal family. (with the relics of Saint Peter of Cetinje, right hand of and a particle of the True Cross). In spare time we recommend you visit another famous relic – the icon of the Most Holy Theokotos Filermosa. On the way back, there will be a break for photos, with a view of the Riviera, the gem of the Adriatic coastline, with the peninsula of Sveti Stefan and its beaches. Excursion price includes: transportation, walking tour with guide in Kotor and Cetinje, snack and drink in Njeguši: €45 Excursion price does not include: entrance tickets and lunch Trip cost depends on the number of people. This is the price for 8 people.

CETINJE AND Driving on the Adriatic highway to Budva. The road then leads to Cetinje, the old capital of Montenegro, the place which best preserves the spirit and tradition of the Montenegrin people. The story of Cetinje will take you back to the 15th century. In order to save his people from the Ottoman onslaught and protect Orthodox religion and culture, the great ruler Ivan Crnojević left the fertile grounds of Lake Skadar and found refuge at the foot of rocky Mount Lovćen. Having built his castle and monastery, he founded the new seat of Montenegro and Montenegrin Metropolitanate, the town of Cetinje. The Petrović dynasty constantly fought against the Ottomans for the independence of their homeland, a feat they achieved in late 19th century. At the Berlin Congress in 1878, Montenegro was recognised as an independent state. This little town still keeps evidence of the secular and spiritual rule of the Petrović dynasty. Many European countries had their embassies in this little town. Every house on the main square reveals a part of Montenegrin history. A tour of the legacy of the famous Petrović dynasty, which ruled for more than 200 years: the Biljarda – residence of prince- bishop, famous writer and philosopher Petar II Petrović Njegoš. It was named after the billiards table that Petar II bought in Vienna. It was in this house that Petar II wrote down his thoughts and finished his masterpiece, “Mountain Wreath”. The Castle of King Nikola will allow you to get to know the life of the Petrović royal family.Cetinje Monastery (with the relics of Saint Peter of Cetinje, right hand of John the Baptist and a particle of the True Cross). In spare time we recommend you visit another famous relic – the icon of the Most Holy Theokotos Filermosa. Lipa Cave is located in the village of Dobrsko Selo, just outside Cetinje. It is one of the oldest explored caves in Montenegro. The exploration of the cave and first records date back to the 19th century. The exploration was ordered by prince-bishop Petar II Petrović Njegoš. King Nikola used to meet foreign officials there. Today, you will be greeted by kind and trained guides in front of the entrance, who will lead us through the cave. We will feel a strong gust of wind from the inside, and a big temperature difference. The temperature inside the cave is the same throughout the year, and varies between 10 and 12°C. The first stop is the bar, where you can rent a coat if you are cold. The tour continues with a beautiful 400-meter walk, through the main tunnel of Lipa Cave, where you can truly enjoy the cave’s intact nature. We will be able to experience the creative power of nature, while watching the dancing forms of cave jewellery. The next stop is Njegoš hall, where you can feel the compete darkness of the cave and witness the most beautiful stalactites inside the cave. Stalactites and stalagmites have tried to touch each other for thousands of years, and when they finally meet, they create an unbreakable whole which is called a stalagnate by cave experts. After the visit to Lipa Cave, the tourist train will take us back to the parking and restaurant where we will make a coffee break and enjoy the beautiful view of Lake Skadar National Park and the magnificent sight of Kučke mountains. Excursion price includes: transportation, walking tour with guide through Cetinje and the cave: €65 Excursion price does not include: entrance tickets and lunch Trip cost depends on the number of people. This is the price for 8 people.

CETINJE AND NEGOŠ’S MAUSOLEUM ON MOUNT LOVĆEN

Driving on the Adriatic highway to Budva. The road then leads to Cetinje, the old capital of Montenegro, the place which best preserves the spirit and tradition of the Montenegrin people. The story of Cetinje will take you back to the 15th century. In order to save his people from the Ottoman onslaught and protect Orthodox religion and culture, the great ruler Ivan Crnojević left the fertile grounds of Lake Skadar and found refuge at the foot of rocky Mount Lovćen. Having built his castle and monastery, he founded the new seat of Montenegro and Montenegrin Metropolitanate, the town of Cetinje. The Petrović dynasty constantly fought against the Ottomans for the independence of their homeland, a feat they achieved in late 19th century. At the Berlin Congress in 1878, Montenegro was recognised as an independent state. This little town still keeps evidence of the secular and spiritual rule of the Petrović dynasty. Many European countries had their embassies in this little town. Every house on the main square reveals a part of Montenegrin history. A tour of the legacy of the famous Petrović dynasty, which ruled for more than 200 years: the Biljarda – residence of prince- bishop, famous writer and philosopher Petar II Petrović Njegoš. It was named after the billiards table that Petar II bought in Vienna. It was in this house that Petar II wrote down his thoughts and finished his masterpiece, “Mountain Wreath”. The Castle of King Nikola will allow you to get to know the life of the Petrović royal family.Cetinje Monastery (with the relics of Saint Peter of Cetinje, right hand of John the Baptist and a particle of the True Cross). In spare time we recommend you visit another famous relic – the icon of the Most Holy Theokotos Filermosa. The mausoleum of the Montenegrin ruler, philosopher and poet, Petar II Petrović Njegoš is located on the top of the mountain in Lovćen National Park. Njegoš’s last wish was to be interred at the Jezerski Peak. The people respected the wish of their ruler and built him a chapel while he was still alive. Later, in 1974, the chapel was replaced by the mausoleum, designed by the famous Croatian sculptor, Ivan Meštrović. A narrow asphalt road leads to the foot of the mausoleum, which can then be reached by climbing 461 steps. The mausoleum has two stone caryatides: mother and daughter, as well as a figure of Njegoš, whereas the crypt holds Njegoš’s grave. The Njegoš Mausoleum is 37 metres long, 15.4 metres wide and nearly 11 metres tall. The granite statue of Njegoš weighs 28 tons. Around 11,000 tons of stone were carried to the top of Lovćen, which is 1654 metres tall. Some of the stone blocks weigh more than 40 tons. The beautiful view of the Bay of Kotor, Lake Skadar, tall mountains in the North of Montenegro and a part of Albania is a sight to behold. Excursion price includes: transportation, walking tour with guide through Cetinje and the cave: €65 Excursion price does not include: entrance tickets and lunch Trip cost depends on the number of people. This is the price for 8 people.

RAFTING ON THE TARA AND A VISIT TO MONASTERY The trip starts at the beautiful sea coast, and leads across the largest lake in the , Lake Skadar, passing by Lake Piva before ending at the village of Šćepan Polje. Before rafting, breakfast will be organised in a restaurant with a view of the confluence of the Piva and Tara, where the Drina River is formed. A jeep ride upstream to Brštanovica will be followed by unforgettable rafting in specially crafted rubber boats, which can fit 8 to 10 people. You will be riding with licenced skippers who will provide instructions during the ride. Because of its remarkably clear water, Tara River was dubbed the “teardrop of Europe”. Its canyon is the deepest in Europe (second only to the Grand Canyon in the whole world), and has enjoyed UNESCO’s protection since 1977. Rafting will be followed by lunch and a visit to . Piva Monastery dates back to the 16th century. The Temple of Assumption of Mother of God was built between 1573 and 1586. Due to the construction of the dam on the Piva, it was moved from the river source to a plateau nine kilometres from Plužine. Between 1970 and 1982, owing to the efforts of the leading Yugoslav experts and experts from the International Institute for Conservation, the whole structure was moved, stone by stone, including 1260 square metres of . The richness that the monastery holds inside, including frescos, , books, writings and relics, is in contrast with its simple exterior. Excursion price includes: transportation, guide, rafting, breakfast, lunch, visit to Piva Monastery: €75 Excursion price does not include: entrance tickets Trip cost depends on the number of people. This is the price for 8 people.

THE SEARCH FOR GOOD FORTUNE – FAIRY COINS and visit to wine cellar The excursion starts at Bar and leads to Sutorman, the mountain with 365 fresh water sources. There will be stops at viewpoints in Tuđemili, Sutorman and Limljani, with magnificent views of the natural wonders of the town on two magical coasts. This will be followed by a tour of the Asprice locality, 21 km from Bar, where you can find fairy coins which bring good fortune. Fairies used to live around these mountains, residing in a cave which was named after them – Fairy Cave, which is very inaccessible, hidden from view in a rock below the peak of the mountain (1000 metres above sea level). Your guide will be the author of the acclaimed book Legends of Fairies, Fairy Cave and Fairy Coins. Fairy coins have become the favourite souvenir from Montenegro, and bring good fortune. St. Thomas Church in Limljani – St. Thomas Church is unique and wonderful. According to tradition, St. Thomas Church and the nearby graveyard, slid down a 100 m slope, together with the rock they were built on. The church stayed whole, and only changed its orientation – it now stands in the southeast-northwest direction. Lunch with traditional specialties will be organised in a wine cellar with the tasting of famous domestic wine from Crmnica. Excursion price includes: transportation, local guide, lunch: €65 Trip cost depends on the number of people. This is the price for 8 people.

WALKING TOUR ON VRSUTA – guard of two magical coasts Departure from Bar via Sutorman – the mountain with 365 fresh water sources. Stopping at viewpoints in Tuđemili, Sutorman. After a 20 km car ride from Bar, in the company of a guide, the walking starts with a steady mountain rise. It takes two hours at most to get to the top of Vrsuta, and it takes another hour and a half to walk back to the car. The view of two magical coasts is unique and unforgettable – the Adriatic Sea on the one side and Lake Skadar on the other. There are views of many nearby Montenegrin mountains as well (Orjen, Lovćen, Rumija, Durmitor, Prokletije, etc.). Vegetation includes rare and protected plant species and extremely healthy teas such as: timus serpillum, hipericum perforatum, artemisia absinthium, etc. Excursion price includes: transportation, local guide, lunch: €45 Trip cost depends on the number of people. This is the price for 8 people.

OSTROG MONASTERY AND CATHEDRAL OF RESURRECTION OF CHRIST IN In the harsh, rocky environment of the Ostroška Greda rock, between Danilovgrad and Nikšić, high above the Bjelopavlić plain and the Zeta River, shines . Even though the foundation of this monastery was laid by hermits, its true founder is considered to be Saint (Vasilije Jovanović), Bishop of Zahumlje and Herzegovina, who in the second half of the 17th century arrived here from Tvrdoš Monastery (). The monastery complex includes the lower and upper monasteries. The position of the upper monastery is impressive, with two churches in caves, constructed inside the steep rock: one was constructed in 1665 and painted in 1667, whereas the other (the date of its construction is not known), which has also been painted, is home to the relics of Saint Basil. Saint Basil was a big ascetic, healer and thaumaturgist, unfaltering protector and defender of his people, who never broke his oath. The belief in the wonderous power of his relics made this place one of the most visited sanctuaries not only in Montenegro and the region, but in Europe. Members of all confessions come here for a cure for their souls, as do pilgrims from all over the world. That is why Ostrog Monastery is one of the most frequented sanctuaries in the Balkans... Excursion price includes: transportation, lunch: €25 Excursion price does not include: entrance tickets and lunch Trip cost depends on the number of people. This is the price for 8 people.

ŠIPČANIK WINE CELLAR AND CELLARS OF CRMNICA

Around thirty kilometres from the Adriatic Sea, on the shore of Lake Skadar, there are many long rows of vines, which form one of the biggest and most beautiful vineyards in Europe – Ćemovsko field, covering the surface area of 2,300 hectares, with around 11.5 million vines. The vineyard is a pride of winemakers and the whole country. The leading white grape variety is Montenegrin Krstač, which is successfully grown only in Montenegro, and which has the best yield exactly in the Ćemovsko field.

Visit to the magnificent Šipčanik wine cellar – old military airport which has been transformed into an impressive wine treasury in the vein of French chateaux, since the vineyard is located in the midst of the vineyard, on the same soil and the same rock from which vines are born. Šipčanik was opened in late 2007. The average depth at which the cellar is located is 30 metres below ground. It is shaped like a winding tunnel, 356 metres long, with average width of 13.5 metres and height of 7 metres. The temperature is almost constantly between 17 and 19 degrees Celsius. The humidity is between 70% and 80%. In this impressive area, covering 7,000 square metres, wine is kept in wooden containers in ideal climate and technological conditions. Two million litres of wine are kept and aged in wooden barrels.

St. Thomas Church in Limljani – St. Thomas Church is unique and wonderful. During the earthquake in 1896, the church slid for almost 100 metres, stopped on a rock and was undamaged. According to tradition, the church and the nearby graveyard, slid down a slope, together with the rock they were built on after a period of heavy rain. The church stayed whole, and only changed its orientation – it now stands in the southeast-northwest direction, and is a special tourist attraction. Crmnica, the region which encompasses 20 villages, is famous for growing grapes. The symbol of Crmnica is certainly the Crmnica Vranac wine, a ruby red coloured wine, made from the eponymous, local type of grape, which spread around the region. The many small producers offer their wine in the lively environment of Crmnica villages, and visits to wine cellars and wine tasting are a mandatory part of the Crmnica adventure. Lunch will be organised in a wine cellar with the tasting of famous domestic Crmnica wine.

Excursion price includes: transportation, guide, snack, wine tasting and lunch: €55 Excursion price does not include: entrance tickets and lunch Trip cost depends on the number of people. This is the price for 8 people.

BAR OLD TOWN – OLD OLIVE TREE – DŽIDŽARIN OLIVE GROVE

Olive roads – visit to Džidžarin – an hour’s walk in this olive grove with 10,000 olive trees will bring you back to nature and its beauty. The Municipality of Bar has around 100 thousand olive trees, more than half of which are more than 1000 years old. Premium quality olive oil and famous Bar olive specialties are made here. According to legend, no young man used to be allowed to get married before planting a certain number of olive trees – which was a guarantee that he could support his family.

Old Olive Tree at Mirovica is a natural monument which has been protected by law since 1963. It is 2,242 years old and is considered to be the oldest tree in Europe. The trunk is 10 metres wide. According to legend, meetings of feuding families used to be held around the olive tree and this is where they used to make up, which is why this place is still called Mirovica (the place of peace).

Old Bar is the biggest urban agglomeration in ruins in Montenegro. It has witnessed tumultuous historical events and medieval civilizations. It is located on a steep slope, inaccessible from three sides, at the foot of Mount Rumija. The defensive position and a fresh water source were the most important reasons why Old Bar, unlike other towns in the coastal area, is located 4 km from the sea. This town, whose inhabitants lived off craftmanship, olive oil and salt trade, was built in succession, over centuries. Its oldest parts are located on a protruding plateau of a rock, which is home to the town gate from the 11th century. Not far from here, separate from the inhabited part, stands the Citadel, which had a defensive purpose. The town is still home to remains of many churches of various styles from different periods. The foundations of a Romanesque-Gothic Cathedral of St. George from the 11th century, and two Gothic churches of St. Catherine and St. Venera have all been preserved, whereas a gunpowder magazine and bath survived from the Ottoman period. The western part of the town was fortified later. First in the 14th century, and then during Venetian rule, in the 16th century. This part of town also holds the remains of the Church of St. Nicholas which was most probably built in the 13th century by Helen of Anjou, wife of Serbian king Uroš. A well-preserved church dedicated to St. John stands in the small square in the centre of the town. The well-preserved aqueduct remains from the 16th and 17th centuries stand outside of the town, north from the upper fortress. The aqueduct used to bring water from the mountains to the town. Excursion price includes: transportation, guide: €25 Excursion price does not include: entrance tickets and lunch

Trip cost depends on the number of people. This is the price for 8 people.

PANORAMIC ROUTE “BETWEEN TWO MAGICAL COASTS”

Departure from Bar. Stopping at the Štegvaš viewpoint – with fantastic views of Lake Skadar and the landscape stretching all the way to Albania. After that, the tour continues at the following stops: The Old Well , Ostros -According to traditional belief, the old well was constructed in 1001, during the rule of King Vladimir and his spouse, Kosara. Even though this area is completely dry, at that very place, a well was dug, and fresh water was discovered. This 12-meter deep well, for each of the 12 months of the year, is an important cultural site and is still used by the local population. Monastery of the Virgin of Krajina - is one of the most important monuments in Montenegro. It was founded by Prince Vladimir, whose tragic love with the beautiful Kosara, daughter of Samuel, the King of Macedonia, has become legendary. The monastery was the seat of the Zeta Metropolitanate for a while, and was destroyed in late 16th century. Ice-water wells – Ostros In the village of Boljevići there are 12 wells. It is very rare to find so many wells in a single place, and this is truly a feat of construction. The date the wells were constructed is not known, nor who the builders were, but there are folk tales about its connection with the well in Krajina, which was constructed in 1001. The wells were constructed using hewn stone, and are up to 10 metres deep. The soil they were constructed on consists of red clay, which prevents the water from spilling out of the well. It is believed that people who drink from these wells shall find happiness and have healthy offspring.

The trip then continues through a beautiful chestnut forest to the biggest and most beautiful beach on the lake - Murići beach. This is followed by a boat ride and visit to Beška Monastery.The Monastery consists of two churches: the larger one, dedicated to St. George (14th century), which was founded by Đurađ II Stracimirović ­ Balšić; and the smaller one, dedicated to the Virgin Mary (1440), which was founded by Jelena Balšić. Beška Monastery, just like Starčevo, was well-known for its intensive manuscript copying activity. The Gorica’s Almanac was created in the monastery, which is a religious and didactic manuscript composed by Nikon of Jerusalem. Panoramic tour of monasteries Moračnik and Starčeva Gorica from the 13th and 14th centuries. Their founders from the Balšić dynasty turned them into centres of culture and literacy. Today, these monasteries have been renewed and are active, and a visit to this “holy mountain”, in the intact wilderness of Lake Skadar is, in fact, a trip to ancient past. Visit to fishing village of Raduš and Grmožur Fortress – was constructed by the Ottomans in 1839 and the liberated it between 1846 and 1848. The people of Crmnica used to call it the “Island of Snakes,” and ornithologists today call it the “Island of Birds.” However, the island is best known for being home to a prison established by Prince Nikola, and that is why it is also called the “Montenegrin Alcatraz.”

Swimming and lunch on Pješačac sand beach, which can be reached only by boat, near the village of . Traditional architecture is dominant – there are stone houses with vaults and cellars, as well as structures typical of the old way of life, such as threshing floors and mills. Houses are packed together and make a compact entity, reminiscent of medieval fortified settlements, with walls up to a meter thick, containing gun port holes. Trip to – town on three bridges.Virpazar is a settlement which was founded at the confluence of the Crmnica and Orahovštica rivers. It was first mentioned in 1242, in King Vladislav’s Charter. It used to be an important trading hub. In 1888, it was connected with Bar by road, and by a narrow-gauge railway in 1908. Virpazar had one of the first post offices in Montenegro. At that time, it boasted more than 20 trade and craft businesses . Monument and memorial plaque in Virpazar are dedicated to 13 July 1941, day of uprising against occupation. Today, Virpazar is a well-known destination for excursions and is a transport hub for cruises on Lake Skadar. The Old Bridge in Virpazar is an authentic example of the well-preserved infrastructure in this region, which is a testimony to the historic development, urbanisation and way of life in Virpazar. The bridge is open for traffic and represents the main connection between Virpazar and other nearby settlements. Besac Fortress - above Virpazar, the fortress was built by the Ottomans in the late 15th century. It was conquered by the Montenegrins in the early 18th century and was severely damaged. The entire fortress complex was constructed using broken stone and lime mortar.

Excursion price includes: transportation, visit to mentioned places with guide, boat ride, lunch: €75 Excursion price does not include: entrance tickets Trip cost depends on the number of people. This is the price for 8 people.

KRSTARENJE SKADARSKIM JEZEROM Departure from Bar and arrival to Virpazar – town on three bridges. Virpazar is a settlement which was founded at the confluence of the Crmnica and Orahovštica rivers. It was first mentioned in 1242, in King Vladislav’s Charter. It used to be an important trading hub. In 1888, it was connected with Bar by road, and by a narrow-gauge railway in 1908. Virpazar had one of the first post offices in Montenegro. At that time, it boasted more than 20 trade and craft businesses . Monument and memorial plaque in Virpazar are dedicated to 13 July 1941, day of uprising against occupation. Today, Virpazar is a well-known destination for excursions and is a transport hub for cruises on Lake Skadar. Lake Skadar is one of those places that leave you breathless and demand your complete attention in order to fully enjoy what they have to offer. Lake Skadar is the largest lake in the Balkans. It is 44 km long and 14 km wide. The lake’s surface area varies between 500 and 350 km2 depending on the water level. The average depth of the lake is only 5-6 metres, whereas the deepest points of the lake are the so called “eyes”, of which there are three. Two of them are in Karuč, and are 35-40 metres deep, and the third one is Raduš, which is around 60 metres deep. Two-thirds of the lake belong to Montenegro, whereas one third belongs to Albania. Since 1983, the lake has been a National Park, and in 1995 it was added to the RAMSAR list of wetlands of international importance. The shore of the lake is jagged and has many islands and bays, sand beaches, lively fishing settlements, villages with authentic architecture… It is home to more than 52 fish species (carp, bleak, eel…) and 280 bird species. The lake is one of the last freshwater swamps, the largest wetland bird reservation in Europe, and the last habitat of the pelican. During the summer, the lake looks like an enormous green meadow with many blooming white and yellow water lilies. The water chestnut is particularly interesting. It is a plant with edible fruit, and even though it grows in water, it bears no fruit unless it rains during the flowering period. The many island lakes are home to old fortresses and medieval monasteries, and the fishing villages are hidden in protected coves. Grmožur Fortress was constructed by the Ottomans in 1839 and the Montenegrins liberated it between 1846 and 1848. The people of Crmnica used to call it the “Island of Snakes,” and ornithologists today call it the “Island of Birds.” However, the island is best known for being home to a prison established by Prince Nikola, and that is why it is also called the “Montenegrin Alcatraz.” There are many nearby villages with traditional rural architecture. These are typical winegrowing villages where every household grows the Vranac grape variety and makes the famous Crmnica wine.

Depending on the water level, visits to St. Nicholas Monastery are organised. The monastery is located on the Vranjina peninsula. The original monastery was founded in 1223 and had three churches. The only one which remains is the Church of St. Nicholas, which has been renewed many times. In the 16th century, the monastery was damaged by the Ottomans on several occasions. After liberation from the Ottomans in 1878, Prince Nikola managed to renew the monastery with the aid of Emperor Alexander III Romanov. He built the Church of St. Nicholas and a big residential building, which often served as the court for the Petrović dynasty. The monastery was last renewed in 1998. Swimming and lunch are planned on the Pješačac sand beach which can be reached only by boat. Your experience will be complete with a rich offer of lake fish, goat cheese and premium ruby-red Crmnica wines made from the domestic grape variety, which spread across the region from here.

Excursion price includes: transport, boat ride, lunch: €50 Excursion price does not include: entrance tickets Trip cost depends on the number of people. This is the price for 8 people.