100% customisable travel idea

From the Mountains to the Sea In the heart of Montenegro

Montenegro - Kolasin - Zabljak - Kotor - Buljarica

Essential Montenegro

From $2200 to $3300 per person for 11 days Price depends on departure city, season, accomodation types and selected activities

Itinerary highlights

  • Mixing up countryside walks in the hinterland, historical heritage and the beach
  • Visiting sites and villages off the beaten track
  • Our favourite accommodation: chalet style in the mountains, guesthouse ambience by the sea
  • Private cruises, Concierge service, our recommendations: the extra touch on this trip
Ideal for your first trip to Montenegro, this itinerary immerses you in the authentic atmosphere of this small country nestled between imposing mountains and the calm waters of the Adriatic Sea. Large lakes, monasteries and small villages are all on the agenda. On the road, at the wheel of your rental car, the first stop is Kolasin, where the hills form an enchanting landscape. You cross one of Europe's last remaining primeval forests in Biogradska Gora National Park, descend into the vertiginous Tara River Canyon, and travel the roads skirting the Bay of Kotor before reachingBuljarica. It’s no great surprise that outdoor activities here take on a spectacular dimension. To best illustrate the range of possibilities, we have already booked two highlights: a private cruise in the Bay of Kotor, one of the most beautiful bays in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site, and a boat trip on Lake Skadar to admire the many species of birds that migrate there each year. Throughout the journey, the accommodation that punctuates your discoveries has been chosen for its location and way of life. There’s a mountain-style chalet to start with and a charming hotel in the Bay of Buljarica to end surrounded by beauty. Between the two, the stop-offs are always welcoming and comfortable. And of course, our on site concierge is at your disposal at any time if you need anything or for any last-minute requests.

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.
Rivière Tara - Monténégro  © Oleh Slobodeniuk/Getty Images
Rivière Tara - Monténégro © Oleh Slobodeniuk/Getty Images
Monténégro © Olivier Romano
Monténégro © Olivier Romano
Pesica Lake -  Parc national de Biogradska Gora - Monténégro © mima140186/Getty Images/iStockphoto
Pesica Lake - Parc national de Biogradska Gora - Monténégro © mima140186/Getty Images/iStockphoto
Rivière Tara - Monténégro  © Kyrylo/stock.adobe.com
Rivière Tara - Monténégro © Kyrylo/stock.adobe.com
Klinci - Monténégro © All rights reserved
Klinci - Monténégro © All rights reserved
Budva - Monténégro © Victoria/stock.adobe.com
Budva - Monténégro © Victoria/stock.adobe.com
Buljarica - Budva - Monténégro © Darios / Fotolia.com
Buljarica - Budva - Monténégro © Darios / Fotolia.com
Perast - Monténégro © Nadtochiy/tock.adobe.com
Perast - Monténégro © Nadtochiy/tock.adobe.com
Kotor - Monténégro © Frank Heuer/LAIF-REA
Kotor - Monténégro © Frank Heuer/LAIF-REA
Lac Skadar - Monténégro © Vladimir Gerasimov/stock.adobe.com
Lac Skadar - Monténégro © Vladimir Gerasimov/stock.adobe.com
Kotor - Monténegro  © Nadtochiy/stock.adobe.com
Kotor - Monténegro © Nadtochiy/stock.adobe.com
Bouches de Kotor - Monténégro © Jean Luc Manaud
Bouches de Kotor - Monténégro © Jean Luc Manaud
Bouches de Kotor - Monténégro  © alexxx068/tock.adobe.com
Bouches de Kotor - Monténégro © alexxx068/tock.adobe.com

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.

Why visit Montenegro with Voyageurs du monde?

Every day, our travel specialists craft bespoke experiences shaped around each traveller's profile, desires and budget. These passionate experts design experiences delivered on the ground by a local network of Concierges and trusted contacts. These fully customisable, made-to-measure trips are complemented by a wide range of high-end services (lounges, 24/7 assistance, travel booklet, app, Wi-Fi, restaurant booking, etc.)

Let us create your trip

A few of the advantages of travelling with us to Montenegro

  • Globally unique concierge service
  • Wi-Fi: 1 GB/day included
  • Adjust your trip while travelling
  • 24-hour assistance
  • CO2 absorption

Estimated budget

Price depends on departure city, season, accomodation types and selected activities

The estimated budget for this trip is $2,200 to $3,300 per person.

A fixed price is rarely applicable to a bespoke journey. The final cost depends on various factors, such as the level of service, travel dates, and booking lead times. The only definitive price will be the one provided in your personalized proposal.

The average price for this trip is $2,500 per person


Included in this suggestion

  • Return scheduled flight
  • Airport taxes and fuel surcharges
  • Carbon absorption contribution for your trip's CO2 emissions through reforestation projects (via our Philippe Romero Insolite Bâtisseur Foundation)
  • Car rental for ten days
  • Two nights in Kolasin, in a double room, breakfast included
  • Two nights in Zabljak, in a double room, breakfast included
  • Three nights in Lustica, in a double room, breakfast included
  • Three nights in Buljarica, in a double room, breakfast included
  • Private cruise in the Bay of Kotor
  • Private boat trip on Lake Skadar, with lunch
  • Our on-site Concierge service
  • Travel booklet containing a wealth of useful information (your day-by-day itinerary, your hotel details, a selection of our personalised recommendations etc.), also available as a mobile app
  • Our recommendations and reservations at selected restaurants
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