Montenegro Hiking – Via Dinarica
10 days
From $ 3099
Duration10 days

Immerse yourself in Montenegro’s unique culture on this 10-day hiking adventure along Via Dinarica. Stretching across 1,200 miles, Via Dinarica follows remote paths through old fortresses and breathtaking ridges while providing spectacular views of the Adriatic Sea. This cultural corridor across the Western Balkans can be experienced over several months or several days, depending on the path. Our adventure takes us along the Blue and White Routes, a mixture of magnificent coastal scenery, the highest mountains in the Central Dinaric Range and incredible hiking trails. Follow the coastal transversal route from the western to the southeastern borders of Montenegro, passing the peaks of the Dinaric Alps, glacial lakes, canyons and incredible biodiversity. Experience a unique mix of traditional cultures, including Ottoman, Venetian, Austro-Hungarian and Slavic influences. Kayak to the island of Grmožur, home to an abandoned 19th century fortress; overnight on the shores of Skadar Lake, the largest lake in the Balkans and one of Europe’s top bird habitats; and explore Montenegro’s mountainous interior, enjoying unparalleled beauty in this unspoiled region. A tiny Mediterranean country full of big adventure, this is a journey that will not soon be forgotten.

This tour is operated by

  • Duration: 10 days
    Service level: Standard
  • Starts in: Dubrovnik
    Physical Grading: Average
  • Ages: 18+
Montenegro Hiking – Via Dinarica - Tour Map

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive in Dubrovnik, Croatia, and transfer to Herceg Novi, Montenegro.

Start place: Dubrovnik

Our trip begins in Dubrovnik, Croatia. Arrive at the Dubrovnik Čilipi Airport by 1pm to meet your guides and fellow travelers. We transfer to our first night's lodging in Herceg Novi, Montenegro. After settling into our hotel, there is time for a guided stroll through the 13th-century Old Town area. Tonight’s dinner highlights the region’s delicious seafood specialties. Dinner included.
Driving: 1 hour plus border crossing into Montenegro.
Meals: D
Day 2: Hike the south-facing slopes of Mount Orjen.
We hike on Mount Orjen, Via Dinarica’s highest coastal peak (6,095’). We ascend on stony switchback pathways which are actually old Austro Hungarian roads and a favorite hike of locals. Our trail passes through a forest and up to Vratlo pass where we enjoy a coffee at the mountain hut. Views abound overlooking the Bay of Kotor and Adriatic Sea and are further complimented by the dramatic limestone landscape. We stop to visit a mountain cave set at 4,265’ above sea level. Tonight we experience true Montenegrin hospitality at a family-run konoba (restaurant) set on the hillside of Herceg Novi. We dine on a home-cooked meal prepared in the traditional style over an open fire. Overnight in Herceg Novi. All meals included.
Hiking: 4.9 miles; 4.5 hours; elevation gain/loss: 2,300’/2,300’.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 3: Hike from Perast to the Vramac Ridge. Explore Old Town of Kotor.
We begin the day in the ancient village of Perast, known for its 16 Baroque palaces and 17 Catholic churches. A quick boat trip brings us to the small island of Our Lady of the Rocks with its unique church. The church houses an intricate marble altar and an exquisite painted ceiling by 17th-century artist Tripo Kokolja, known by locals as the “Michelangelo of Perast.” We continue by boat to the opposite shore, our starting point for our hike up Vrmac Ridge. Our path offers impressive views over the bay as we make our way through traditional Montenegrin stone villages. Tonight we stay in the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Kotor. Kotor’s town wall, dating back to the ninth century, has protected it from invaders for centuries. There is time in the evening to stroll the streets of Kotor and have dinner on your own. Breakfast and lunch included.
Hiking: 5.5 miles; 4.5 hours; elevation gain/loss: 2,400’/430’.
Meals: B, L
Day 4: Summit one of Mount Lovcen’s two peaks in Lovcen National Park.
We drive up Montenegro’s famous serpentine road, which offers dramatic views overlooking the Bay of Kotor. Our hike begins at Krstac Pass, where we make our way into the mountainous terrain of Lovcen National Park on stone and grass trails. The park features a diversity quantity of fauna and flora due to the influence of both Mediterranean and Continental climate zones. Our ascent takes us up one of Mount Lovcen’s twin peaks where the final ascent is accessed by stairs to the mausoleum of Montenegro’s former poet ruler, Petar Njegus II. On a clear day we enjoy views over half the country of Montenegro, from the Bay of Kotor to Lake Skadar to Podgorica. We overnight inside the park at a mountain lodge hotel. The afternoon is free to enjoy a beer on the lodge terrace, or enjoy additional hiking options on marked trails right from the lodge. All meals included.
Hiking: 7.5 miles; 4.5 hours; elevation gain/loss: 2,296’/492’.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Kayak the largest lake in the Balkans to the island fortress of Grmožur.
We kayak on Skadar Lake, the Balkans’ largest lake and one of Europe’s largest bird migration stopover grounds. From the charming village of Virpazar, we kayak through lily pads to visit Grmožur Fortress. This abandoned fortification was significantly damaged in the 1905 earthquake. The fortress has many stories, and is known as the Montenegrin Alcatraz. It is also called the Island of Birds; the variety of birds found here is extensive and includes the rare Dalmatian pelican, the iconic symbol of Skadar National Park. We overnight in Bar, a city with an amazing Old Town and fortress settlement, and olive trees that are more than 1,000 years old. All meals included.
Kayaking: 4 hours. In the event of inclement weather, routing may change.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 6: Visit the Ostrog Monastery; hike to a lake in Durmitor National Park.
The Ostrog Monastery, a revered pilgrimage site, was built into a sheer cliff face by St. Basil in the 1600s. We begin our visit at the upper monastery to see two churches with remarkably preserved relics and frescoes. One church is in a cave; when exiting onto a balcony the views of the plains below are stunning. We continue with a two mile walk to visit the lower monastery where the monks reside. Following lunch, we transfer to Virak to begin our hike in Durmitor National Park. Our destination is Crno Jezero, which means Black Lake. The clear blue and green waters of the lake reflect the treeline and soaring peaks. Montenegrin farmers pasture their flocks on the mountain meadows during the summer months. They make cheeses in the ‘koliba,’ or small cottages, and we may have the opportunity to sample some depending on time of year. We overnight in Žabljak. All meals included.
Walking: 2 miles, 40 minutes; hiking: 5 miles, 2.5 hours; elevation gain/loss: 330'/1,300'; transfers: 3 hours.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 7: Hiking the Via Dinarica White Route in the heart of the Durmitor.
The remote heart of the Durmitor National Park is wonderful for exploring. We begin hiking across Skrcka Pass and down to Skrcka Lake surrounded by the most beautiful peaks of Durmitor. There are no roads here and we will probably see very few people on the trails. We’ll look out for the birds of prey and wild goats which inhabit the craggy mountain rock faces and enjoy the spectacular views while eating our picnic lunches. Our route continues on a gentle forested trail passing Sušica Lake and finishing at a small mountain hut. Our transfer back to Žabljak takes us high above the Tara Canyon, where we pause to see the views from the highest point into the 4,265’-deep canyon. Dinner on our own tonight in Žabljak. Breakfast and trail lunch included.
Hiking: 9.5 miles; 5-6 hours; elevation gain/loss: 1,640’/3,280’.
Day 8: Rafting the Tara River in the deepest canyon in Europe.
We transfer to the Lower Tara Canyon via the Sedlo Pass route. It’s a surreal, treeless landscape, surrounded by green meadows and white limestone cliffs. We arrive to a home-cooked lunch at our river camp and meet our rafting guides who will hand out rafting gear, provide a safety briefing and cover paddling techniques. We begin our descent on the clear green waters of the Tara River, covering 11 miles of Class I-III rapids depending on time of year. Past the rapids there are calm pools where we can swim and take photos of the waterfalls and canyon walls. The river is high in May and June but is a calm float by September. The camp is a wonderful place to relax in a hammock or go for a hike should you not wish to raft. A farewell dinner and campfire on the banks of the river complete our day. Overnight at the river camp. All meals included. (Note: Accommodations are shared cabins sleeping between four and eight people per cabin in bunkbeds with shared bathroom facilities.)
Rafting: 11 miles, 2.5 hours; May-June: Class III rapids; July-Sept: Class I & II; driving: 2.5 hours.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 9: See Piva Canyon’s superb scenery, then return to Dubrovnik, Croatia.
Following a leisurely breakfast at the river camp, we pack up to return to Dubrovnik, Croatia. Our route takes us through Piva Canyon, a beautiful drive through over 60 rock tunnels carved into the lakeside. In the small village of Plužine we stop for a coffee break at the Zvono restaurant, owned by two local brothers who brew their own organic honey beer. We make a second stop for lunch, then continue our drive to arrive in Dubrovnik by mid-afternoon. After checking into our hotel, we bid farewell to the trip guides. The remainder of the day is free to explore Dubrovnik on your own. Breakfast and lunch included.
Driving: 4.5 hours (with stops) and border crossing time.
Meals: B, L
Day 10: Depart Croatia.
Breakfast is at your leisure at the hotel. Transfer on your own to the Dubrovnik airport.

Inclusions

Included

  • Hotel accommodations based on double occupancy for 8 nights
  • 1 night at a river camp in shared cabins with private baths
  • 1 group transfer from Dubrovnik airport or a designated hotel on Day 1
  • meals as noted in the daily itinerary
  • guide/leadership
  • luggage transportation
  • gratuities to vehicle drivers
  • national park fees
  • Accommodation

    Hotels, 8 nights, Rafting camp, 1 night

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