Montenegro
Montenegro In-Depth (14 Days)
Our longer, two-week itinerary takes you to all of this country’s family holiday musts. The array of activities is breathtaking: think guided hikes, cycling, ziplining, whitewater rafting and canyoning, which when all combined make this a very appealing option with older kids and teens. It’s also a fascinating one, with lots of history to immerse yourselves in along the way before you finish up with some family R&R at Montenegro’s spectacular seaside.
Highlights
Riding a ski lift to Troglava Peak
Rafting down the Tara River
Hiking in the Durmitor Mountains
Boat ride across Lake Skadar
Climbing up to Kotor Fort
Beach time at Herceg Novi
14 days from £2,500 pp
Plus international flights from £200
A two-week holiday in Montenegro for a family of four usually costs from £10,000 plus flights, depending on the type of accommodation.
Montenegro In-Depth day-by-day itinerary
Day 1, Podgorica/Tivat – Kolasin
Arrive in the capital Podgorica (or, depending on flights, into Tivat) and pick up your hire car at the airport. You will then head north on the new highway to the small town of Kolasin. Depending on the arrival time of your flight, you may like to take the scenic route that twists and turns up the narrow Platije Canyon. If you are interested, you can stop at the 13th-century Moraca Monastery.
Day 2, Biogradska Gora
Today head to Biogradska Gora National Park (30-min drive), the smallest in Montenegro and one of oldest forests in Europe. At the centre is a pretty lake and there’s a beautiful trail around the edge of the water that you can follow. After a refreshing drink at the lake café, head to Kolasin ski resort, where you can take a ski lift to the top of Troglava Peak and walk down via the summer pastures.
If you would like something more challenging, we can include a guided hike from Kolasin ski resort all the way down to Biogradsko Lake. This is 12km so requires a good level of fitness/walking enthusiasm from the children.
Day 3, E-Bike and Cheese Farm Experience
This morning head out on e-bikes and ride through an incredibly scenic valley, passing rural farms dotted with beehive hay bales and flanked by dramatic mountains. At the head of the valley is a traditional cheese farm where you have a delicious homemade lunch, with fresh bread, cured meats, soup and cheese that has been produced on the farm. This is a wonderfully authentic off the beaten track experience, offering an insight into rural Montenegro.
Day 4, Kolasin – Tara River – Durmitor Mountains
The central mountains of Montenegro are divided by the Tara River Gorge, a dramatic river canyon that forms one of the deepest gorges in the world. Cascading along the base of the gorge is the Tara River, its startling turquoise waters contrasting with the verdant green of the surrounding mountains. This is an excellent place for white-water rafting, and after a detailed safety briefing, you will climb aboard your raft and head downriver over a series of exciting rapids.
After lunch in a local restaurant there is the option to ride a zipline over the gorge. The zipline stretches 800m in total and you’re strapped into a harness for the white-knuckle ride. From here continue north into the Durmitor Mountains.
Day 5, Durmitor Mountains
The Durmitor Mountains are the wildest part of Montenegro, a remote area of lofty mountain peaks, emerald-green lakes and traditional wooden villages. You will spend the day hiking with a guide through the mountains, past sheep grazing on the high mountain pasture and with superb views of the ‘Durmitor Ring’. Finishing your hike at the Black Lake, why not stay a while and enjoy lunch with a view? The beautiful route is approximately 10km, but there are shorter and longer options if you prefer.
Day 6, Durmitor Mountains
A full day to explore the Durmitor Mountains. With such incredible mountain scenery, hiking is a popular activity as you are surrounded by extraordinary panoramic views at every turn. You may also like to drive along the famous ‘Durmitor Ring’, either on your own or on an organised jeep safari. This is a superb driving route, with plenty of places to stop and explore along the way.
Other options include horse riding, canyoning, mountain biking or quad biking – you’ll be spoilt for choice!
Read More Day 7, Durmitor Mountains – Lake Skadar Day 8, Lake Skadar Day 9, Lake Skadar Day 10, Lake Skadar – Bay of Kotor Lovcen National Park, home to the mausoleum of Montenegro’s poet prince, as well as lovely mountain scenery, is also well worth a visit. You can zip-line here as well, or follow one of the hiking trails. You may also like to stop in the small village of Njegusi, famous for its delicious prosciutto and dried goat cheese. There’s an array of small places here where you can stop for a tasting platter, perhaps washed down with a small glass of grape brandy. End the day in the pretty seaside town of Herceg Novi on the Bay of Kotor. Day 11, Bay of Kotor Day 12, Kotor & Perast Day 13, Bay of Kotor Day 14, Podgorica/Tivat
After breakfast, drive across the Durmitor Mountains to Lake Skadar. You may like to stop en route at the dramatically situated Ostrog Monastery, Montenegro’s most iconic religious site. From here it’s worth taking a scenic back road to the lake as there’s a phenomenal viewpoint of a sharp bend in the river valley, surrounded by lush forested hills. End the day in Virpazar, a pretty little village on the edge of Lake Skadar.
Lake Skadar is one of Montenegro’s scenic gems, a vast freshwater lake the straddles the border with Albania and is the largest lake in the Balkans. This morning take a boat ride across the lake, nosing through the reeds and narrow channels as pelicans soar overhead. You can stop on a small beach to swim and soak up the views. You will also stop at a fishing village for lunch.
A free day to relax or continue exploring. Perhaps hire kayaks or paddle boards and navigate the waterways further, or visit a local winery (we’ll recommend those that are more family-friendly).
Travel west, en route to the coast. Spend the morning in the old royal capital of Cetinje, a sleepy town with pedestrianised streets, some interesting historical buildings and a few museums. Even if the museums don’t appeal, this is still a good place to break the journey and have a wander.
A free day to relax and enjoy the beach. Alternatively, you might want to explore the bay further.
This morning take a speed boat up Boka Bay to the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage town of Kotor, perched on a hillside on the edge of the bay. Explore the narrow cobbled streets and climb up to the fort that stands in a commanding position above the town. On the way back you will stop at the little bayside town of Perast, which despite only having one main street, is home to 16 churches and 17 formerly grand palazzi.
A final day at leisure to make the most of your free time relaxing on Montenegro’s gorgeous coastline.
Drive back to the airport and drop off your rental car before your flight home.
Montenegro in pictures
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