Mountains & Marvels of Montenegro

Fly from London Gatwick to Tivat.  Drive to the village of Perast, for a stroll past the churches and palazzi in its pretty, Italianate streets; cruise on the bay to the artificial islet of Our Lady of the Rocks, built by fishermen in 1630; and continue to coastal Kotor for a walking tour of its medieval Old Town, including a visit to St. Tryphon Cathedral, which holds relics of the martyr saint. Spend two nights at the 4-star Hotel Porto In.
(D)

Take the newly-opened cable car from Kotor to Lovcen National Park, the panoramic mountaintop, home to the mausoleum of Montenegrin leader & poet Petar II Petrovic Njjegos. We visit Njegusi, the birthplace of this great man to enjoy a tasting of locally produced prosciutto and cheese; we continue with a tour to Montenegro’s elegant, old royal capital, Cetinje, to visit the Museum of King Niloa, the palace of the country’s last royal ruler; and the Njegos Museum, the residence of 19^th-century ruler, philosopher, prince-bishop, (and sainted) Petar II.  Return to Kotor via the old Austrian Road for spectacular views of Boka Bay.
(B)

Sail on the largest lake in the Balkans, super-scenic Lake Skadar, following the snaking river narrows to the stone bridge and historic streets of Rijeka Crnojevica; and, later, enjoy a tasting of wine and honey at a small farm.  Continue to Podgorica for overnight at 4-star Boscovich Boutique Hotel.
(B)

Drive along the dramatic Moraca Canyon; visit the medieval Moraca Monastery, known for its Byzantine frescoes and 18^th-century icons. Continue to Biogradska Gora National Park for a walk beside its beautiful namesake lake, hemmed by the ancient rainforest. Our final journey today takes us along the  stunning Tara Canyon to Djurdjevica Tara Bridge for fantastic views of the gorge. Continue to Zabljak, in Durmitor National Park, for overnight at the 3-star Hotel Polar Star.
(B, D)

Explore the spectacular scenery of Durmitor National Park, encompassing limestone peaks, pine forests, alpine meadows, and four river canyons, including a visit to the glacial Black Lake, the pearl of the park. Travel via the astonishing Ostrog Monastery, built into two caves in a sheer cliff-face, and known as St Basil’s Miracle, to Petrovac on the coast. Spend three nights at the 4-star Monte Casa Hotel.
(B)

Enjoy a day at leisure in Petrovac, spread behind a sandy half-moon bay, a pebble beach, and a little harbour. Waterfront cafés, shops and restaurants are tucked between its herb-scented headlands, and the town’s Venetian Fortress looks out to a couple of islets in the bay.
(B)

An optional excursion visits Ulcinj to explore the Old Town, set within forbidding fortress walls which climb the cliffs from the sea, filled with a maze of steps and lanes, and steeped in myths and legends. Continue to Bar for a tasing of local olive oil; and visit the ruins of Stari Bar, where foundations show the skeleton of the citadel, cobbled paths dip under ancient arches, and the long aqueduct is still standing proud (pre-bookable).
(B, D)

Transfer to Tivat airport for the return flight to London Gatwick.
(B)