Montenegro and the Adriatic Coast

Alpine Mountains, the Via Dinarica Trail, and Magnificent Kotor Bay

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Overview

From soaring limestone peaks in the north to classic Venetian towns along the blue Adriatic, Montenegro is one of Europe’s hidden gems—uncrowded and perfect for WT-style hiking. We’ll hike our way from the alpine world of Durmitor and Biogradska Gora national parks to the gorgeous coast at the Bay of Kotor, Europe’s southernmost fjord. Along the way, we hike sections of the Balkans’ Via Dinarica, a “mega trail” from Slovenia to Albania (and named Best New Trail by Outside magazine in 2014), discover Montenegro’s cultural patchwork, and sample delightful cuisine that reflects the region’s blend of east and west. Our finale finds us hiking along the Bay of Kotor, one of the most spectacular settings on the entire Adriatic Coast.

Itinerary at a Glance

Days 1-2
Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina / Durmitor National Park, Montenegro

In Sarajevo, a cultural melting pot since the Silk Road era, our walking tour brings us to the 16th century Ottoman quarter, with its maze of medieval alleys. The next day, we drive to Montenegro’s Durmitor National Park via the breathtaking “road of a hundred tunnels.”

Isabegov Hamam Hotel
Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina
Day 1 (1 night)
North Story
Žabljak, Montenegro
Days 2 to 3 (2 nights)
Days 3-4
Durmitor National Park / Tara River Canyon

On the trails in Durmitor, a World Heritage Site, we’re surrounded by a spectacular realm of saw-toothed peaks and deep canyons. The wild Tara River Canyon invites us for a fun morning of rafting on emerald-green waters (or choose a hike instead).

North Story
Žabljak, Montenegro
Days 2 to 3 (2 nights)
Bianca Resort and Spa
Kolasin, Montenegro
Days 4 to 6 (3 nights)
Days 5-6
Biogradska Gora National Park

One of the last stands of ancient woodlands in all Europe is protected as Biogradska Gora National Park. Our hikes bring us through flower-filled meadows to the twin peaks of Komovi (8,159'). We’ll have lunch in one of the traditional local shepherds’ dwellings called katuns, a chance to sample the delicious local lamb.

Bianca Resort and Spa
Kolasin, Montenegro
Days 4 to 6 (3 nights)
Days 7-8
Bjelasica Mountain / Lake Skadar National Park

We’ll hike through forest and along panormic ridges of Bjelasica, then view the superb Byzantine frescoes at Moraca Monastery, perched above the rushing Moraca River. At Lake Skadar National Park, one of Europe’s most important bird habitats, a boat takes us across the lake to our waterside hotel.

Pansion 5
Rijeka Crnojevica, Montenegro
Day 7 (1 night)
Forza Mare Hotel and Resort
Kotor, Montenegro
Days 8 to 10 (3 nights)
Days 9-11
Kotor, Europe’s Southernmost Fjord / Dubrovnik, Croatia

We head to the Adriatic and the walled town of Kotor, the UNESCO-listed jewel of Montenegro’s Adriatic Coast. Our last hike on the Via Dinarica brings us high above the bay to St. Andrew’s Fortress for stunning views. Depart on Day 11 via Dubrovnik.

Forza Mare Hotel and Resort
Kotor, Montenegro
Days 8 to 10 (3 nights)

Highlights

Highlights

Enjoy storied Sarajevo, with visits to Sebilj Square and the historic Latin Bridge
Hike in pristine Durmitor National Park, along magnificent Kotor Bay, and on the Via Dinarica
Explore the ancient woodlands of Biogradska Gora and the Tara River Canyon, one of Europe’s deepest gorges
Discover Kotor, with its Greek, Roman, and Venetian heritage
Sample the cultural tapestry of Montenegro’s cuisines

Details

Length: 11 days
Cost From: $5395  
Arrive: Sarajevo, Bosnia
Depart: Dubrovnik, Croatia
Lodging: 10 nights hotels and inns
Meals: All meals included except 2 dinners as indicated in the Detailed Itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
Activity: Hiking / Trekking, Cultural Adventures
Trip Level:

A mix of moderate walks and hikes, some steep trails, 2-5 hours a day, optional rafting, van support

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