Montenegro and the Adriatic Coast

Tiny Montenegro has it all when it comes to natural beauty, with dramatic mountains, deep forests, and the sapphire seas of the Adriatic coast. This hidden corner of Europe also offers fascinating architecture and a rich cultural heritage—it’s the perfect place for a cultural hiking adventure. Our hikes bring us from the alpine setting of Durmitor National Park and the primeval forests and glacial lakes of Biogradska Gora National Park to enchanting Kotor, the jewel of Montenegro’s sun-splashed Adriatic coast. Our cultural encounters are unforgettable as we explore mountain villages with age-old traditions, stroll ancient walled towns, and sample wonderful local cuisine, including the regional Vranac, a dry red wine of unique taste and character.

Itinerary at a Glance

For a more complete description, Download Full Detailed Itinerary

Days 1-4
Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina / Durmitor, Montenegro / Tara Canyon

Sarajevo has both a dramatic location and a rich history that entwines the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian empires. We explore this fascinating crossroads, then head into wild Durmitor National Park for alpine hikes in a spectacular region of saw-toothed peaks, deep canyons, and gleaming, jewel-like lakes. The easternmost spur of the Durmitor massif extends into the breathtaking Tara River Canyon, Europe’s deepest, where translucent turquoise- and jade-colored waters course between sheer 3,000-foot cliffs. We also enjoy a fun half-day rafting trip on the Tara (optional, and no experience needed!).

Days 5-7
Biogradska Gora National Park / Mrtvica Canyon / Lake Skadar

Magical Biogradska Gora National Park, sheltering one of the last stands of ancient woodlands in Europe, is graced by five shimmering glacial lakes ringed by dense pine and fir forests. We hike past the lakes to the twin peaks of Mt. Komovi for views stretching to the mountains of Albania. We also visit Moraca Monastery, a 13th century landmark with stunning Byzantine frescoes, then hike up into the rocky hideaway of the Mrtvica Canyon. On serene Lake Skadar, one of the continent’s most important bird sanctuaries, we explore by boat, with a lakeside dinner at a fishing village.

Days 8-11
Cetinje / Kotor / Dubrovnik, Croatia

After a visit to romantic Cetinje, spiritual heart of Montenegro and once the nation’s capital, we head to medieval Kotor, whose picturesque harbor is one of the most gorgeous spots on Montenegro’s Adriatic coast. Once ruled by the Venetians, who built many beautiful palaces and churches, Kotor’s Old Town today is a tangle of narrow streets and tiny squares with harmonious Venetian-style Gothic architecture. From the sheepherder village of Ubalac, we hike high above Kotor and descend past villages and a small fortress while enjoying breathtaking views of the dramatic Bay of Kotor, Europe’s southernmost fjord. We also boat across the bay and walk along Kotor’s town walls rising from the azure sea. Depart from Dubrovnik on Day 11, or extend your stay in this unforgettable city, a World Heritage Site and arguably the best-preserved medieval city in the world.

For a more complete description, Download Full Detailed Itinerary

What the Trip is Like

This trip is Level 3+, Moderate. It is a hiking journey with day hikes of four to six hours on most days over moderate to steep mountain terrain. Although we are not at altitude, the trails can be rocky and narrow, and there is a lot of limestone, which can get slippery when wet. You will carry just a daypack on the hikes. Hiking boots that go above the ankle are recommended for the extra support, as well as hiking poles. The hiking itinerary is planned as we have described it in the preceding pages. However, as in any mountain trip, we will remain flexible with regard to weather and other local conditions in choosing our routes. And do remember that apart from the coastal areas, the tourism infrastructure in Montenegro is still in development and the services, facilities, and quality of hiking trails can be basic. Please note that in Europe, the dinner hour is considerably later than what it is in the US. We do our best to secure early reservations for our groups, but most often the evening meal will be at 7:30 p.m.. Rooms in the hotels and inns we stay in are not always of uniform or international size. However, our leaders try their best to assign rooms in a fair way so that all participants experience an equal advantage throughout the trip as a whole. Single Rooms: Please note that single rooms in European hotels tend to be small by US standards.

Explanation of Trip Levels