100% customisable travel idea
From the Mountains to the Sea In the heart of Montenegro
Montenegro - Kolasin - Zabljak - Kotor - Buljarica
Essential Montenegro
Your accommodation by the sea
Set slightly back from Buljarica Bay, this hotel takes on the air of an elegant guesthouse, playing on the contrast between its exposed stone walls and resolutely modern interiors. What won us over, first and foremost, is the wild setting, just 100 metres (110 yards) from the sea. The attentive and discreet service also ticks all the boxes. A mindset that is reflected in the restaurant. Here you find creative Mediterranean cuisine at its best: Balkan bruschetta (local cheese, tomatoes, kiwi fruit, spring onion), sea bream tartare with basil and summer fruit tiramisu. From the pool to the restaurant terrace, the stunning view wavers between sea and mountains.
Itinerary
100% customisable for you
Upon arrival in Podgorica, collect your rental car and drive to Kolasin. Stay two nights in this city, founded in the 17th century in the north of the country. Your hotel’s exterior is in an authentic mountain style with large stone walls and wooden accents, while the interior has been designed in a contemporary style. The bedrooms are also equipped with modern amenities, offering pleasant moments of relaxation after a walk in the mountains. The restaurant serves dishes that are both typical and refined. A wellness suite has also been recently added.
Nearly 1,000 metres (3,250 feet) above sea level, Kolasin is a ski resort in winter. It was a Turkish fortress before joining the Kingdom of Yugoslavia in the mid-19th century. While its quiet little streets provide the perfect backdrop for a pleasant stroll, the area’s natural heritage will leave a lasting impression. Between the Mrtvica Canyon, Bjelasica, Sinjajevina and Komovi Mountains and Biogradska Gora National Park, the excursion options are endless and the scenery is always different. There is also the opportunity venture into one of Europe’s last remaining primeval, virgin forests of oaks, maples and firs, covering nearly 5,400 hectares (13,350 acres). Birds of prey, deer, foxes, bears and wolves all thrive here.
Optional - visit a Montenegrin farm.
Head north along the Tara River, whose canyon stretches for 78 km (48 miles). This is the deepest canyon in the world after the Colorado, with 1,300-metre (4,265-foot) cliffs. Its banks are also home to centuries-old monasteries: Dobrilovina, Dovolja and St Archangel.
Stay two nights in hotel built like a true Alpine chalet. The rooms and their amenities are modern without moving towards a futuristic design. Wood and warm materials adorn the rooms wonderfully. The terraces and large windows offer stunning mountain views. There is an added bonus is in the garden - a hot tub awaits after your long walks in nature. Located in Durmitor National Park, your accommodation is a great departure point for exploring the surrounding mountains, rivers and dense forests.
Optional -rafting down the Tara River on a private excursion.
Drive to the Bay of Kotor, the deepest fjord in the Adriatic, where the shores stretch nearly 30 km (19 miles) into the heart of the Orijen and Lovcen Mountains. Stay three nights on the Lustica Peninsula, in a small complex comprised of a few houses in a traditional village. Olive, pomegranate and laurel trees fill the Mediterranean air with fragrance. From your balcony, the sea is visible on the horizon. The properties are tastefully and simply furnished, with stone walls, blending just the right amount of rustic charm and style.
Included - a private cruise on the Bay of Kotor. Sail by the villages of Prcanj, Stoliv, Perast and other peaceful small towns towards the Verige Strait and the Bay of Tivat. Along the way, you can stop at places like Our Lady of the Rocks islet off the coast of Perast with its 17th-century church, or off the coast of St Mark’s Island for a swim.
Optional - discover the Bay of Kotor by kayak and paddle at your own pace.
Driving or walking around the Lustica peninsula holds some lovely surprises. The small towns of Herceg Novi, Risan and Perast still reflect the importance of their maritime past and are full of wonderful spots to enjoy octopus salad, baklava, or pomegranate juice. Cetinje, the country's historic capital, and Lovcen National Park are not far away and are well worth visiting. The road from Kotor to the summit of Mount Lovcen provides stunning views of the Dinaric Alps.
Drive to Buljarica, following the Adriatic Coast, lined with beautiful sandy beaches and enchanting coves.
Highlights along the way - Budva Old Town and the fortified island of Sveti Stefan.
Stay three nights in the lovely Buljarica Bay, in a beautiful residence on an unspoiled stretch of coastline. The villa’s modern decor is enhanced with local, handmade furnishings or crafted pieces from France and Italy. Enjoy the location, just metres from the sea, and magnificent sunsets in summer.
Lake Skadar is the largest lake in the Balkans, with shores shared between Montenegro and Albania. It is a protected area, especially because of the many bird species that thrive here. Or opt for a “Montenegrin Life” day, discovering the village of Bar and the vineyards of Ulcinj, or treat yourself to some relaxation on Ada Bojana Beach and lunch in one of the picturesque taverns of Stari Bar or Bojana.
Included - boat trip through Skadar Lake Bird Sanctuary. Enjoy a beautiful cruise on the Balkan’s largest lake, whose shores are home to nearly 300 species of birds. The national park is a stopover for migratory birds travelling between Europe and Africa. The star of the sanctuary (and the symbol of the park) is the Dalmatian pelican, a rare bird that is globally endangered and is carefully protected and monitored in this region. A local lunch in the village of Krnjice and a few swimming stops are also on the agenda.
Drive to Podgorica airport, return the hire vehicle and flight home.
À la carte
This suggested itinerary can be customisable down to the smallest detail, including duration, stops and content. An à la carte menu of experiences is also available to create a journey that reflects who you are.
Life on a Montenegrin farm
Half-day tour to discover the local way of life in the mountains. As soon as you arrive at the farm, it’s time for the cows to be milked, and after a brief explanation, you give a helping hand. Straight after that, a typical breakfast is served, while the milk is being prepared for processing. Once that's done, the cheesemaking can begin. Before lunch, there’s a hike to the peaks of Bjelasica to work up an appetite. At the end of the meal, you can sample the cheeses, in their final stage of maturing.Rafting on the Tara River
The Tara River is one of the last rivers in Europe where the water is still pure and safe to drink. Tara Canyon is the deepest in the world after the Colorado Canyon. It is home to more than 85 caves among its rocky terraces. This whitewater rafting adventure takes you from Splaviste to Radovan Luka campsite on an inflatable boat. There are several stops on the way between the waterfalls or cascades. You can also swim at one of the wild beaches lining the river. Lunch is a barbecue is on the shore of a small, secluded beach.
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