Authentic Montenegro – glimpse into the hidden gems

Welcome to Montenegro! Upon arrival at Tivat or Podgorica airport, your journey begins with a scenic drive toward the northern highlands. Along the way, visit Ostrog Monastery, one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in the Balkans, dramatically carved into a vertical cliff. Each year, thousands of visitors from all faiths come here seeking peace and spiritual renewal.

Continue through mountain landscapes to Žabljak, the gateway to Durmitor National Park. Breathe in the crisp mountain air as you settle into a cosy lodge, surrounded by pine forests and peaks. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner of local specialties — a perfect introduction to Montenegro’s warmth and mountain hospitality.

After breakfast, set out for a hike from the Black Lake, the most famous of Durmitor’s “mountain eyes.” The trail winds through quiet pine woods, leading to two additional glacial lakes, each reflecting the sky like polished glass. Durmitor National Park is home to 18 such lakes — a landscape shaped by ancient glaciers and pure nature.

Later, join a show cooking session in a rural household and learn how locals turn fresh, organic ingredients into timeless recipes. Feel the spirit of the north as you cook together and share stories with your hosts. The afternoon continues with a visit to the Đurđevića Tara Bridge, arching high above Europe’s deepest canyon — and for the adventurous, there’s an exhilarating zip-line ride offering views you’ll never forget.

This morning brings one of the most beautiful train rides in Europe — a panoramic journey through the Morača Canyon, passing over bridges and through tunnels carved into the rocks. Watch as the scenery changes from rugged cliffs to gentle valleys and green plains.

After a short visit to Podgorica, the capital city, the road leads south to the shimmering beauty of Skadar Lake — the largest lake in the Balkans and a paradise for birdlife. Lunch at a local restaurant, aroma of freshly caught fish and regional wine sets the tone for a relaxed afternoon. The views of the lake, framed by mountains, create a perfect scene of peace and timeless beauty.

Today you arrive at the coast, where the Adriatic greets you with light and warmth. Guided walk through Budva’s Old Town, a maze of stone streets, small squares, and hidden courtyards echoing with ancient stories. Founded more than 2,500 years ago, Budva is one of the oldest towns on the Adriatic, shaped by Greek, Roman, and Venetian influences.

Discover monasteries tucked into hillsides and viewpoints that reveal the coast in all its splendor.  Lunch is organized by  the local host, whose home-cooked dishes carry the flavors of generations. The rest of the day is free — enjoy a swim, a seaside stroll, or a quiet coffee overlooking the harbor.

From the sea, ascend once again to the heights of Lovćen Mountain, taking a scenic cable car ride that reveals the breath-taking panorama of the Bay of Kotor. At the summit, visit the Mausoleum of Petar II Petrović Njegoš, a monument of philosophy, poetry, and freedom — and one of Montenegro’s most symbolic landmarks.

Continue to Cetinje, the country’s former royal capital, where 19th-century embassies and elegant villas tell the story of Montenegro’s statehood and European ties. Walk through quiet streets shaded by chestnut trees, and feel how the air itself seems filled with the spirit of history and pride.

Today is devoted to one of the most magical places on the Adriatic — the Bay of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The old town of Kotor is a masterpiece of stone: narrow alleys, baroque palaces, and medieval towers that whisper stories of sailors and merchants from centuries past.

After exploring the town, board a speedboat to discover the bay from the water. Glide past small fishing villages, coastal churches, and hidden coves, while the mountains rise steeply around you like the walls of a natural amphitheatre. The experience is both peaceful and powerful — the perfect balance of history, nature, and sea breeze.

Tucked between the Adriatic and the Bay of Kotor lies Luštica Peninsula, a place where time moves slower and life follows the rhythm of nature. Spend the day exploring it by e-bike, riding along olive groves, dry-stone walls, and quiet seaside paths.

Along the way, you’ll encounter traditional villages where locals still live by the sea, cultivating olives and preserving a way of life passed down through generations. The highlight of the day is a visit to a 150-year-old olive mill, where you’ll taste golden drops of extra virgin olive oil and learn about the art of its production. As the day draws to a close, the scent of the sea and olives lingers — a perfect farewell to Montenegro’s coastal soul.

After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to this captivating land. The organised transfer will take you to the airport, while memories of mountains, lakes, and sea remain vivid — reminders of a journey where every day told a new story, and every moment felt alive.