| Duration: | 10 Day(s) - 9 Night(s) |
| Tour Category: | Adventure Tours |
Day 1: ARRIVAL AND WELCOME
Arrival at Dubrovnik or Tivat airports. Transfer to the town of Herceg Novi on the shores of the Bay of Kotor. Welcome from your local guide and enjoy a relaxed stroll and orientation through the streets of this 13th-century citadel guarded by three mountainside fortresses — one Italian, one Spanish, and one Turkish. Your first taste of Montenegro comes over a delicious welcome dinner at the local seafood restaurant Feral in the harbor area. Try the local specialty: black risotto colored with squid ink.
Day 2: KAYAK AND HIKE
After breakfast at your hotel, head to the harbor area to meet your kayaking guide for a half-day kayaking tour across the bay. The sit-on-top kayaks are suitable for all levels, even for those who have never paddled a sea kayak before. Full instructions and a safety briefing will be provided by your guide. Lasting approximately four hours, the tour paddles across to the picturesque fishing village of Rose, visits a local shipwreck, peers inside Cold War-era submarine tunnels, and follows the spectacular rocky coastline.
After the kayaking tour and a quick change of clothes, a short 25-minute transfer brings you to the small mountainside village of Zlijebi. Overlooking the Bay of Kotor at an altitude of 600 meters, the village is built from local stone mined by its villagers. Visit the beautiful home of Nikola, a resident who grew up here and has spent 25 years restoring his family farm. Enjoy lunch made from produce grown in Nikola’s garden and learn about village life.
After lunch and time to explore, take a short hike to the Church of St. Nikola with spectacular views across the bay. Continue hiking down the lower mountain trails to the village of Trebjesin (approximately 1 hour 30 minutes from Zlijebi, with 400 meters descent). In Trebjesin, enjoy dinner with a traditional family, tasting local mountain specialties including meat cooked “under the ashes” and salads from the inn’s own garden. After dinner, a short 10-minute transfer returns you to the hotel.
Day 3: KOTOR BAY COASTAL TRANSVERSAL HIKING AND KOTOR OVERNIGHT
Depart today from Herceg Novi after breakfast by minivan to the small mountain village of Gornja Lastva, a 50-minute drive away. From this village, situated around 300 meters above sea level, enjoy a 9 km hike along the beautiful Vrmac Ridge. Ascending to a high point of 650 meters, the ridge separates the inner and outer Bay of Kotor. Views stretch to the Adriatic in one direction and deep into the bay in the other. The trail is a wide stone and grass path with both shaded and exposed sections.
Hiking time is usually around 4–4.5 hours, and a trail lunch will be provided. Upon reaching the old Austro-Hungarian fortress of Trojica (long abandoned), descend along switchback paths to the medieval town of Kotor. Arriving in the afternoon, the rest of the day is free to explore the walled city, enjoy a coffee or cold beer on one of the piazzas, and watch the world go by. The independent evening gives you time to discover local restaurants or nightlife.
Day 4: BIKE FROM LOVCEN NATIONAL PARK TO SKADAR LAKE NATIONAL PARK
Depart early this morning from Kotor with your luggage for the one-hour drive to Lovcen National Park. Rising high above the Bay of Kotor, this mountain offers spectacular views in every direction. Upon arrival, enjoy time for rest and mid-morning coffee at the Ivan Konak hotel terrace before setting off on the main challenge of the day: a 64 km ride with 1600 m descent (plus 480 m ascent) to Skadar Lake National Park.
The ride follows old tarmac roads with little traffic. One section passes through the historic former capital of Montenegro, Cetinje, where you’ll stop for a stroll along the boulevards. A trail lunch is provided.
By late afternoon, arrive in the lakeside town of Virpazar for your final overnight in Montenegro. Enjoy a farewell dinner at a riverside restaurant.
Day 5: BAR CANYONING OR ANCIENT BAR VISIT / OVERNIGHT TIRANA, ALBANIA
After breakfast, continue with a short drive to the port city of Bar on the Adriatic coast. Those wishing to try canyoning can join a three-hour adventure through the Rikavac Canyon, suitable for beginners and ideal for first-time canyoning.
Over approximately three hours, follow the water flow by hiking, abseiling down waterfalls from heights of 2–10 meters, and jumping or sliding into natural pools. Though not a large canyon, it provides a fun and memorable experience. This optional activity is payable locally (EUR 75 per person, minimum four participants).
Those who prefer not to canyon can visit the ancient town of Bar, located on the slopes above the new town and port. Wander the historic streets and enjoy the olive groves surrounding the area. Time will be given for an independent lunch.
After lunch, continue with a three-hour drive to Tirana, the capital of Albania. Overnight in the city with free time to explore its vibrant center.
Day 6: BIKING FROM THE MACEDONIAN BORDER TO STRUGA AND OHRID
Depart from Tirana after breakfast for the 2.5-hour drive to the Macedonian border at Qafe e Thane, where you’ll meet your local guide and begin cycling down to Lake Ohrid and along the shore to Ohrid. Stop along the way to see the ancient monastic cells carved into the rocks at Kalishta and enjoy lunch in Struga.
After about 30 km of cycling, arrive in Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage town known for its 365 Orthodox churches and its role in the development of the Cyrillic script. Explore the old town on an orientation walk with your guide and enjoy local Macedonian cuisine. Overnight in a guesthouse near Ohrid.
Day 7: BOATING IN OHRID LAKE — BAY OF BONES, BBQ & SWIM
Head out by boat for a full-day adventure on Lake Ohrid. Visit the archaeological settlement known as the Bay of Bones. Enjoy a BBQ lunch on a hidden beach accessible only by boat, followed by swimming and snorkeling.
Later, continue by road to the picturesque mountain town of Krushevo. Arrive in time for a traditional dinner and overnight stay in a guesthouse.
Day 8: HIKE TO TRESKAVEC MONASTERY WITH TANDEM FLIGHT OPTION
After breakfast, drive about 50 minutes to Prilep, where you begin a three-hour hike to Treskavec Monastery. Meet Father Kalist, the monastery’s resident monk, who explains the Byzantine fresco heritage.
After a picnic lunch, descend on foot or take an optional tandem paragliding flight (payable locally). Later, continue to the wine region for dinner and wine tasting at Popova Kula winery. Overnight at the winery hotel.
Day 9: ROCK CLIMBING & VIA FERRATA / SKOPJE
After breakfast, transfer to the Iron Gate climbing area with routes for all levels. Lunch is hosted by a local family.
In the afternoon, drive to Skopje, one of the oldest cities in the Balkans. Walk through Macedonia Square, cross the Stone Bridge into the Old Town, and enjoy a farewell dinner. Overnight in Skopje.
Day 10: LAST DAY
After breakfast, transfer to Skopje airport for your departure flight.
