Walking in Montenegro
8 Days Starting in BUDVA and ending in KOTOR
Visiting: Budva, Virpazar, Biogradska Gora, Pošćenje, Durmitor, Kotor, Cetinje
Tour operator:
Tour code:
WWM
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 12
Age range:
1-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact Wild Frontiers with any specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Private Available:
Request A Private Tour
Tour Overview
Montenegro may be one of the world’s smallest countries and yet it is undoubtedly also one of its most beautiful. Only two-thirds the size of Wales, the country’s diversity is absolutely striking. From Europe’s deepest canyon to some of its wildest mountains, Montenegro also claims a dramatic coastline to rival anything you will have seen before.
Proud to have been the only country in the region to have successfully defended itself against the might of the Ottoman Empire, Montenegro has a truly unique culture. From its mountain-top fortresses and medieval walled cities to its remote villages and varied cuisine, Montenegro is an exciting destination that offers not only some magnificent walking but also an insight into a lifestyle most of Europe abandoned centuries ago.
Things will be sure to change, but for now, Montenegro’s multi-faceted charms still largely remain a secret.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Tour Starts In Budva
Location: Budva
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Slovenska Plaza or similar
Meals Included: Dinner
The tour starts this afternoon in the lively walled town of Budva, those on the suggested group tour flights will be transferred from Dubrovnik across the border. Lying along Montenegro’s glittering Budva Riviera, the town is one of the oldest settlements on the Adriatic coast and sat upon the original boundary between the Holy Roman & the Byzantine Empires. We will be staying in one of Budva’s hotels, located close to the old city walls and within easy reach of the town’s lovely Venetian architecture
Day 2: Budva – Virparzar
Location: Budva, Virpazar
Accommodation: Homestay
Accommodation Name: Hotel Pelikan or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning there will be time to explore Budva’s city walls and narrow medieval streets before heading up into the country’s mountainous interior. After a brief stop to see one of the country’s most iconic sights – the traditional fishing village of Sveti Stefan which has now been transformed in its entirety into a hotel – we’ll ascend a mountain road and take a short walk to an abandoned Austro-Hungarian fortress with superb views out over the dramatic coastline. Continuing on to Rijeka Crnojevica, we’ll enter Lake Skadar National Park and walk down to a beautiful lakeside village for a traditional ‘Old Montenegrin’ lunch. We’ll then take to small boats and following meandering waterways, there’ll be opportunities for an afternoon swim before finally arriving at the 15th century remains of the citadel of Zabljak Crnojevica close to our overnight stop in the small settlement of Virparzar, on the shores of the lake.
Austro-Hungarian fortress walk: Total distance 2km, 50m ascent, 50m descent. Lake Skadar walk: Total distance 3km, 100m descent. Fortress Zabljak Crnojevica walk: Total Distance 700m, ascent 150m. Approx 1-2 hrs walking.
Day 3: Virparzar – Biogradska Gora N.P
Location: Virpazar, Biogradska Gora
Accommodation: Katun Goles wooden cabins (with shared facilities) or similar
Accommodation Name: Katun Goles wooden cabins (with shared facilities) or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
An early start and we’ll take a ride on one of the most spectacular train journeys in Europe (please note that depending on train times it may be required to travel by minibus), crossing the highest railway bridge on the continent to take in the breath-taking views down into the Moraca Gorge. Arriving in the town of Kolasin, we then enter Montenegro’s central mountainous region, sandwiched between the Tara and Lim Rivers. Here we find the unspoilt landscapes of the Biogradska Gora National Park, an area of ancient forests, high mountains and glacial lakes that cover some 54 square kilometres. Home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna, the park provides us with a glorious backdrop for today’s walk, as we follow a ridge trail up to the beautiful alpine katun (summer pasture) where we will spend the night with a local family, who make traditional cheeses and will be sure to feed us very well tonight.
Total distance 8km, 400m ascent, 250m descent. Approx 3-4 hrs walking.
Day 4: Biogradska Gora N.P - Poscenje
Location: Biogradska Gora, Pošćenje
Accommodation: Ethno Village Nevidio (with shared facilities) or similar
Accommodation Name: Ethno Village (with shared facilities) or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
An early morning walk today takes us from the alpine pastureland down a steep 600m descent to the unspoilt tranquilly of Biogradska Gora’s primeval forest and lake. Transferring to a minibus we’ll then head up into the wild open landscapes that make up the Sinjajevina highlands before descending to Durmitor National Park, home to the Tara canyon, Europe’s deepest at 1,300m. After stopping off at the famous Tara Bridge – where those that wish can have a go on one of Europe’s longest zip-wires (not included in the trip price!) – we’ll have lunch outdoors at a small agro-tourism restaurant. We’ll visit the flat valley floor which contains many medieval stecci, engraved tombstones unique to the Balkans. From here we’ll make for the small village of Poscenje which will be our base for the next two nights.
Total distance 5km, 90m ascent, 600m descent. Approx 2-3 hrs walking.
Day 5: Walk To Durmitor National Park
Location: Durmitor
Accommodation: Ethno Village Nevidio (with shared facilities) or similar
Accommodation Name: Ethno Village (with shared facilities) or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A short drive takes us to the village of Kozarica from where we’ll follow a beautiful valley northwards into the UNESCO World Heritage site of Durmitor National Park, a stunning land of craggy granite peaks as well as small villages and traditional farms. This is a wild part of the country and with few roads holds the country’s best walking opportunities. Today’s walk is wild and magical, across open plains and through primal forests, but also a little more challenging; we ascend around 700m and in places the path is narrow - for those of you that like a hike in the great outdoors, today will be your highlight of the tour. For those not feeling up to it there are great local walks near to the accommodation, which in its self is a lovely place to unwind and relax.
Total distance 13km, 900m ascent, 10m descent. Approx 5-6 hrs walking.
Day 6: Durmitor N.P – Cetinje - Kotor
Location: Kotor, Cetinje, Durmitor
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Marija or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Driving south via narrow but spectacular mountain roads we arrive at the old royal capital of Cetinje. Of immense importance historically, Cetinje’s rich heritage dates back to the 15th century when it lay at the centre of both the cultural and religious development of a fledging Montenegro and its Eastern Orthodox religion. We’ll take a short stroll through the atmospheric town before transferring by road to the neighbouring Lovcen National Park, home to the stunning mausoleum of Petar II Petovic-Njegoš, a revered 19th century poet and leader who transformed Montenegro from a theocracy into a secular state. The largest and most important monument in the park, the mausoleum is located at the summit of Jezerski vrh (1,657m) and from its lofty heights it offers some fantastic views out over the entire country. From near here we’ll take an amazing historic walk down an old military road known as the Ladder of Cattaro. This walk offers stunning views down to the old Dalmatian town of Kotor (now a UNESCO World Heritage Site), as well as some spectacular views over the Bay of Kotor and the surrounding landscapes.
Total distance 9km, 900m descent. Approx 3-4hrs walking
Day 7: In & Around Bay Of Kotor
Location: Kotor
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Marija or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
You may want to spend the day just exploring the labyrinthine streets of Kotor, swimming in the warm waters of the beautiful bay or perhaps exploring some of the incredibly picturesque villages that dot the bay such as Perast and Dobrota. For those who want to undertake a more substantial walk (with stunning coastal views at every turn), we plan to leave Kotor’s medieval walls on foot and ascend the Vrmac peninsular on another of Montenegro’s stunning old military roads built by the Austro-Hungarians. From the ridge-top trail there are mesmerising views out over the inner and outer bays and as we pass by yet another fortress we’ll descend back down to the waters of the Adriatic before returning to Kotor. It’s a truly stunning walk which will remain with you long after the suntan has faded.
Total distance 15km, 720m ascent, 720m descent. Approx 5-6 hrs walking.
Day 8: Tour Ends In Kotor
Location: Kotor
Meals Included: Breakfast
The tour finishes after breakfast. Those booked on the suggested group flights will transfer back across the border to Dubrovnik in time for the flight home.
What's Included
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MEALS
7 x Breakfasts5 x Lunches7 x Dinners
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TRANSPORT
On this tour we will use a minibus, a train, a boat and your own two feet.
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GROUP SIZE
Maximum: 12
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CARBON CONTRIBUTIONS
Contributions to climate and community projects for all bookings
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EXPERT TEAM
The full services of a Wild Frontiers Tour Leader with local guides where appropriate
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ACCOMMODATION
All accommodation as outlined in the itinerary
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ENTRANCE FEES
All entrance fees for sights mentioned in the itinerary
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FITNESS RATING
Moderate / High
What's Not Included
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We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras. As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tourationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatoryTips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documentsInternational .Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UKAirport .Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights.Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
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ExcludedItem
We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras.
As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.
Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour
ationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatory
Tips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documents
International Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UK
Airport Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
Visas
Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact our recommended visa agency, Travcour www.travcour.com
For this tour UK passport holders currently do not require a visa for Montenegro.
Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements.
Further details will be sent out to you on booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.
Key Aspects to Consider
Anyone in a good state of health who enjoys walking in the hills should be perfectly able to cope with this trip. It should be noted that while this trip has been designed to appeal to those who prefer to experience a country on two feet rather than just from a bus window, all walks can be opted out of and alternative arrangements can be accommodated.
Please note that some of the walks will include quite steep descents down through woodland and may be tough on the knees, but the scenery and views will more than make up for this.
Walking times and distances have been given in the itinerary, please note that times are averages and dependent on other factors, such as the pace of the group and weather. They also do not include breaks for picnics, photos and the like.
This tour has a couple of short/medium driving days, these will be no longer than approx. 4 hours driving time (around 210km), regular breaks will be provided.
Responsible Travel
With local people, culture and eco-systems in mind, responsible travel and sustainable tourism are at the core of Wild Frontiers. We believe that a successful trip not only delivers a unique and unsurpassable journey for our travellers but also benefits the people and places we visit.
When designing our tours, we actively seek out experiences that have a positive impact on the communities and precious environments we visit - from supporting social enterprises; resting our heads in rural homestays; and eating at locally owned restaurants; to helping fund conservation projects that protect wildlife and their habitats.
Visit the Responsible Travel area of our website to read more, including the work of the Wild Frontiers Foundation through which we fundraise to aid community empowerment and education projects.
Travelling Solo
As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travelers, so it’s very unlikely you’ll be alone!
Our prices are typically based on twin-share accommodation but single supplements are not compulsory for any Wild Frontiers tour. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement we’ll pair you with someone else of the same sex for you to share with throughout the trip.
On this trip, if you do opt to pay for a single supplement then please note that it will cover you for all nights of the tour except Katun Goles and the Ethno Village. This is due to the limited number of huts available where you’ll also need to share facilities. Due to the nature of the mountain accommodation you may share facilities with more than one other person.
Please note that paying a single supplement entitles you to lone occupancy of a single room. In many cases these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.
Insurance
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours. You should be aware that due to some of the geographical areas visited and some of the activities included on certain of our trips some standard insurance policies may not always provide adequate cover. As such we strongly recommend that you purchase a policy that adequately covers your trip. Please see the Insurance section for more details.
Check out our Q&As
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
For this tour UK passport holders currently do not require a visa for Montenegro.
Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements. -
What is the maximum group size?
12
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We have a complete Covid-19 hub here: https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/en_GB/covid-hub
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 70% of passengers on our group tours are solo adventurers. Unlike many tour operators, we don’t believe in charging solo travellers a premium, so if you are happy to share a room with a fellow traveller of the same sex, you will pay exactly the same as a couple..Occasionally you may even end up with your own room. You can travel as a single traveller on any of our holidays, from our escorte
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2002
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Do I need to be double-vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel with you?
In most cases, yes. Not only are many destinations making double-vaccination a requirement of entry to the country and/or access to restaurants, museums etc., but additionally on all our group tours for the foreseeable future, for everyone’s peace of mind, we are asking that all clients be double vaccinated.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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