Compare Coastal Montenegro by SpiceRoads Cycling vs Epic Montenegro Adventure - 9 days by Serbia Tour Operator

Day 1

Meet at Dubrovnik Airport and transfer to the old royal capital town, Cetinje.

Day 2

The route is beautiful to Lake Skadar, one of Europe's best bird watching sites. Take a rest in Rijeka Crnojevica before moving to the fishing village of Virpazar with a ride through a famous wine region.

Day 3

We cycle along Lake Skadar, with lovely landscape views. A final descent takes you to Ulcinj, one of the oldest settlements on the Adriatic coast, dating from the 5th century BC.

Day 4

We cycle south to the coastal town of Old Bar, stopping at the Old Olive of Mirovica, one of the oldest olive trees. We can wander around the alleys and discover the historic buildings before transferring to Budva, a picturesque coastal town.

Day 5

Transfer uphill to Cetinje to start our ride towards Lovcen National Park. We hit an old wagon trail and go over the Trešnja Saddle. Another pleas-ant riding section is exploring the military road around Bogojeva Glava, climbing to the mountain pass of Krstac and riding on to the Old Town of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 6

We cycle, exploring the Bay of Kotor, with a gentle round trip along its coastline, and from Kamenari, we have a few options. Before our last section along Dobrotato, we head to Our Lady of the Rocks.

Day 7

Before our last day, we tour Lustica for great views, for a taste of olive oil, and for a chance to swim. Before a farewell seafood dinner, we still can do more sightseeing.

Day 8

Airport transfers for onward travel.

Arrival transfer from the listed airport is included. Private transfers from non-listed airports are available on request. Please check the options with your local expert. If you are arriving in Belgrade a few days prior to the tour departure, you can book additional nights with us.

Day 1: Arrive Montenegro

Upon arrival to the airport of your choice, enjoyable ride with staggering viewpoints waits for you. With the company of your guide, head to Budva. This touristic capital of the country will be your best introduction to Montenegro. You will get all the information about this amazing place that is a perfect mix of the old times’ peace and strong beats of contemporary lifestyle. Overnight: Budva or Kotor Bay.

Day 2: The Bay of Kotor: Perast town – Boat ride to the Our Lady of the Rocks isle – UNESCO’S City of Kotor – Olive oil tasting

This day is devoted to the Bay of Kotor with its unique scenery. First stop is at the town of Perast, a little settlement baroque in style, where a relaxing boat ride to the picturesque island of Our Lady of the Rocks starts. This artificial islet is home to a church known by mystifying story and valuable artefacts like paintings by local artist, votive silver tablets and a hair-made tapestry. After short boat tour, marvellous Kotor kept in the mediaeval wall-frame is welcoming us. A walking tour shows multicultural richness through churches of Saint Nicholas and Saint Luka, the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon and all the glory of this UNESCO site. Use your free time to continue wandering around the stone paved town, or enjoy offer of fish restaurant at one of romantic squares. The break is perfect preparation for more than 1.500-step-hike which reaches the Fortress of St. John, point with mind-blowing panorama of Kotor Bay which for sure will become part of lifelong memories. For the end of this day, one more thing is left - a visit to the Morić Olive Farm, family-owned and operated estate, settled in Luštica Bay. It brings you an exquisite opportunity to feel the spirit and explore the rich heritage of the authentic household, taste the organic extra virgin olive oil of premium quality and simply enjoy the ambience of one of Montenegro’s most famed olive growing areas. Overnight: Budva or Kotor Bay.

Day 3: NP Lovćen Mountain: Gastronomy, History & Adventure

The Lovćen massif area is considered to be one of the most important places in Montenegrin culture and history. Just getting there is a unique adventure: the stunning view of the Boka Bay will leave you in awe, while driving up the old, Austro-Hungarian 25-serpentine-road. First stop for the day is Njeguši, the village known as the birth place of the royal dynasty Petrović and a ‘guardian’ of the authentic architecture and cuisine in the region. Njeguški sir and pršut (cheese and prosciutto of Njeguši), a real treat for true foodies, are both genuine contributions to Montenegrin cuisine, produced only in this area, following the traditional recipe for smoking and curing meat.

Tasting the most famous specialties of the region makes us ready for one more breath-taking peak. The National Park Lovćen encompasses the central and the highest part of the Lovćen massif, covering an area of 6.400 hectares. On top of one of the mountain’s two imposing peaks, lies a magnificent mausoleum – the tomb of Montenegro’s greatest person in history: Petar II Petrović Njegoš. It takes 461 steps to climb to reach but it is a great adventure. The journey is well worth the effort – you will be rewarded with a spectacular viewpoint from the world’s highest mausoleum. The trip continues to the Lipa Cave, one of the largest caves in Montenegro, for a great underground adventure. One-hour exploration discovers the cave’s beautiful and wild system of 2.5 kilometres long trails and halls, splendid cave ornaments and gives chance to find out some fun facts about the cave and its surrounding. Back on the sunny surface is pleasing and on the way back to the hotel, a short photo-break right above the islet of St. Stefan, an emerald of Montenegro, is reword for invested energy on this day. Once a shelter for the locals during attack of pirates and Turks, today it is luxurious hotel with private access for exclusive guests: even Novak Đoković chose it as the venue of his own wedding.

Use free evening and try out some of the finest Montenegrin wines, made from the authentic red grape variety Vranac, as well as some organic honey, figs, and a homemade spirit called rakija. It is highly recommended to enjoy these delicacies at the konoba, small, traditional restaurants owned by local families and are the true essence of Montenegrin’s warm hospitality and friendship. Overnight: Budva or Kotor Bay.

Day 4: River of Crnojević – Poseljani village - NP Skadar Lake with boat ride

It is time to say goodbye to the coast and head to the heartland of Montenegro. Your day starts by passing the River of Crnojević, a small settlement dating back to the 15th century, which to this day counts only 200 inhabitants. With its strategic positioning and river flowing directly into the Skadar Lake, this settlement was the largest Montenegrin harbour and leading merchant bazaar in the 19th century.

The journey goes through the vivid, old caravan road featuring several lake viewpoints and an incredible opportunity for stunning panoramic photos. A special part of your day will be the visit of the village Poseljani with its movielike houses, mills, and small stone bridges dating back to the 18th century, all authentic scenes and examples of the architecture of this region.

Fishing village of Virpazar is a departure point for boat ride on Skadar Lake. As you glide through the mirroring water, the numerous lake’s attractions reveal: the extraordinary birds, the water lilies in full bloom, and wild, secluded beaches. Skadar Lake has an area ranging from 370 to 530 square kilometres, depending on the water level and it is the biggest lake of the Balkans. The river Bojana creates a connection between Skadar Lake and the Adriatic Sea through a large mountain massive that separates the two. This day, dedicated to the rural and natural area, ends at the Montenegrin capital, Podgorica. Overnight: Podgorica.

Day 5: Morača Monastery – NP Biogradska Gora hiking – Đurđevića Tara Bridge – NP Durmitor

This day requires full attention from the very beginning. It will take you through the grandiose canyon of Morača River - the second largest one in Montenegro, with steep slopes and the depth of 1.000 metres in some areas. Amazing mountains, crystal clear green river, and “the porch of nature” above the road will certainly make you silent while trying to absorb as much of this stunning nature creation. As this is not enough, in the heart of the canyon there is the medieval Morača Monastery, dating all the way back to the 13th century. Listening to the great stories about its history, admiring the architectural style and decoration is the perfect way to spend a break before the active part of the day. Hiking takes place at the National Park Biogradska Gora. Biogradsko Lake, in the very heart of the national park is surrounded by one of the oldest and most protected areas in the world: a rainforest with trees over 400 years old and tall over 40 metres, part of abundant flora with 2.000 species in total. An incredible variety of animals also call National Park Biogradska Gora a home: deers, fawns, leaps, wolves, wild boars, foxes, rabbits as well as over 200 distinct bird species, including the magnificent imperial eagle. Over 350 different insect species also inhabit this national park, adding colourfulness and life to an already beautiful setting.

This jaw-dropping stroll through a true wilderness will probably make you hungry so it’s time to enjoy a picnic lunch with the most authentic traditional specialties from the North of Montenegro – great way to end the hike! A ride to Žabljak, a famous village in the Durmitor Mountain, is all but not monotonous as it goes along vivid and colorful panoramic roads with a special point - a unique canyon view from Đurđevića Tara Bridge! All about this bridge is going to leave you speechless: the height, the surroundings, the story about the people and the way it was made. Overnight: Žabljak.

OPTIONAL: ZIP line. The true adrenalin lovers won’t be disappointed. Feel the thrill while flying over the deepest canyon in Europe, Tara River Canyon. Shoot over one-kilometer-long zip line at speed up to 100 km/h. Experience the adrenalin rush and try to enjoy the spectacular view of the lush greenery of the surrounding nature and crystal turquoise water.

Day 6: UNESCO’s NP Durmitor: Durmitor’s Wild beauty®

Welcome to the nature lovers’ paradise! Located in the north-west of Montenegro, UNESCO’s protected National Park Durmitor is adorned with 48 peaks, more than 2.000 meters high, 18 glacial lakes above on 1.400 meters altitude called “Mountain Eyes” and five spectacular canyons, best presented with the deepest canyon in Europe - the Tara River Canyon. Throughout the whole area of the National Park, the great height range and variety of habitats have enabled the flourishing flora and fauna, creating an extraordinary wealth of nature. The park is home to 1.325 species of flora, including one of the last virgin black pine forests in Europe. Some of the incredible animals that can be found on this mountain are the brown bear, wild cat and chamois. Whether you are exploring Durmitor through hiking or sightseeing from a vehicle, you will have the exceptional opportunity to discover authentic mountain villages whose inhabitants live similarly as their ancestors did hundreds of years ago. Away from the modern influences of today’s world, you will be transported back in time to traditional houses, old customs, simple every day activities and healthy nutrition. This gourmet-hiking adventure is an ideal opportunity to chat with the locals (who mainly keep sheep), try the homemade, authentic food and to get to know the resilient mentality of people who have spent their entire life surviving in nature.

The journey is about to get very exciting! You will hike around the biggest and most beautiful lake on Durmitor, the Black Lake, surrounded by the magnificent scenery and its giant peak Međed (“Bear”), above the lake. The Black Lake is divided into two lakes named the Great and the Small Lake, connected by a small strait of water which dries up in the summer. The lake is filled by numerous mountain streams, and it truly represents the “Wild beauty” of Montenegro at its best. For those who want more than this easy-level hike, we prepared more: Zminje Lake with captivating view over the surrounding cliffs and the dazzling Barno Lake resembling a pop-up postcard. Overnight: Žabljak.

Day 7: UNESCO’s NP Durmitor: Leisure day or Optional experiences

Leisure Day. Create your own plan for the day. Use the opportunity to gather some energy for the adventures to follow, or book one of the Optional experiences:

OPTIONAL 1: Nevidio Canyoning. The unique beauty of Durmitor National Park has been fascinating the worldwide travellers for years. Now, you have the chance to come and explore the last conquered canyon in Europe, with its waterfalls and a gallery of impressive sculptures carved out by the pure power of the Komarnica River. This fun and challenging canyon is a great fit for adventurous beginners, as you need no previous climbing experience to enjoy this 3km long canyoning tour. After spending a couple of hours exploring this beautiful gorge, you will see stunning sunlight marking the end of the tour, as you climb out of the canyon. You have started your day with a great adventure, and now you can enjoy a well-deserved meal to gain back the energy.

OPTIONAL 2: Durmitor Ring Photo Tour. This incredible adventurous ride will show you the mind-boggling landscapes of Durmitor Mountain. The 85 kilometres long circular ride over Tara and Piva River plateau, will take you throughout the diversity of this national park: astonishing sceneries of deep canyons, crystal clear mountain streams, high peaks, green pastures and virgin forests. Get to know the locals and the way they live in this quite rough surroundings. In the authentic ambience, taste the domestic products and take some to go, since they are not easy to be found elsewhere. See the old and current slopes of the ski resort, get on top of the hills of the canyons where the views will sweep you of the feet, go through the high mountain passages and try to absorb the peace of the unspoiled nature as much as you can. This great journey is a unique opportunity to meet different parts of the mountain and it does not require any physical activity. True excitement for every adventurer is to savour the beauty of the national park, experience the life of the local people and, simply, enjoy the ride. Overnight: Žabljak.

Day 8: UNESCO’S Tara River Canyon with rafting - Ostrog Monastery

You have certainly heard that Tara River goes by the name “Tear of Europe” due to its purity. You can drink water from its stream anywhere you catch it, in every part of its flow. Tara River Canyon is 1.300 m deep, which makes it the greatest canyon in Europe and the second deepest in the world, right after Colorado River in USA. Since 1977, the canyon is under the protection of UNESCO, and it is in the category of 25 the most important world natural heritages. Experience a rafting adventure full of joy, excitement and exhilaration on a river in emerald green and turquoise colour variations surrounded by flourishing and vibrant nature. Extremely skilled and trained guides will be there for you as a part of your team, every step of the way for the 12 km ride that stretches from Montenegro to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

As a contrast to this unbelievable adventure, the peaceful part of the day will take you to Ostrog Monastery, situated in a cliff face, 900 metres above the Zeta River valley. The entire ambience is breath taking and filled with serenity. The Monastery is dedicated to Saint Vasilije of Ostrog, and is a worldwide known pilgrimage site for Orthodox Christians. The ride along the fertile valley of Zeta River will bring you to the Montenegrin capital Podgorica. Overnight: Podgorica.

Day 9: Departure day

Departure from Podgorica or any non-listed airport.

Departure transfer to the listed airport is included. Private transfers to non-listed airports are vailable on request. Please check the options with your local expert. If you are departing from Belgrade a few days after the tour end, you can book additional nights with us.