Mighty marvellous Montenegro

Wherever you go, in Montenegro ('Black Mountain') you are always surrounded by mountains. Here, wild, beautiful nature has the upper hand. But this fascinating Balkan country has a lot more to offer. From sunny beaches and warm summer nights to the remains of civilisations thousands of years old.

Montenegro is so compact that it's very easy to wander through. This experience trip takes you from blue-green mountain lakes and nature parks to Venetian towns, spectacularly located monasteries and prestigious marinas. Along the way, you will discover one of the last rainforests and Europe's largest bird sanctuary, plus the world's second deepest canyon.

Finish at an absolute highlight: in Kotor, one of the 10 most beautiful bays in the world and a Unesco World Heritage Site.

Day 1: Departure to Tivat or Dubrovnik

Your trip starts in Montenegro or Croatia, depending on where you land. Fortunately, both countries are a great start to your trip. After you collect your rental car, set course for one of our Caractère hotels, where you will stay for four nights.

Day 2: Herceg Novi

This picturesque and ancient town has been the 'Gateway to the Bay of Kotor' for centuries. Spend your day strolling through the cosy alleys, admiring the richly decorated churches and visiting the central square with its beautiful clock tower. You can enjoy theatre performances, concerts and festivals in one of the four forts of the old town during the summer months. And while you're in the area, you can immediately visit Savina Monastry, where you can taste fantastic local wines.

Day 3: Prevoj Orjen Sedlo

Nature and hiking enthusiasts should definitely not miss Prevoj Orjen Sedlo. It is Montenegro's highest mountain pass, the ideal place for hiking and cycling. The many paths, rarely used by motorists, run straight through nature and past beautiful mountain peaks and clear blue lakes.

Day 4: Kabao - monastery hiking trails

Hopefully your muscles won't be sore from yesterday because today you will once again put on your hiking boots to conquer the Montenegrin mountains. On the programme today: the Kabao Mountains. Throughout this mountain range, you will find multiple hiking routes where you can visit and see numerous monasteries. We will be happy to help you map out the perfect one for you. Also be sure to take a break at Kamenski Kabao, a viewpoint with stunning views of the sea. Fancy a second adventure today? In that case, you can pay another visit to Dubrovnik, from Herceg Novi it is only an hour's drive away.

Day 5: The Tara Gorge and Durmitor National Park

From Herceg Novi, continue your journey to the beautiful Durmitor National Park. Deep river gorges like that of the Piva flow from the mountains. Most spectacular is that of the raging Tara, the second deepest canyon in the world. Here you will take a rafting trip like never before. After a tiring day, you will stay three nights in Zabljak.

Day 6: Durmitor National Park, Unesco World Heritage Site

The 39,000-hectare spectacular Durmitor National Park consists of impressive mountain ranges with as many as 60 peaks above 2,000 metres. Around the crystal-clear mountain lakes, you will enjoy the exceptionally rich fauna and flora. You will spot deer, roe deer, brown bears, wolves and lynxes, among others - in short, a paradise for animal lovers.

Day 7: The hanging monastery of Ostrog

On day 7, you will arrive via a mountain road at the spectacularly located monastery of Ostrog, Montenegro's holiest site. The monastery seems to be embedded in the rocks. After your visit to this impressive place, you will return to your hotel in Zabljak one last time. You will enjoy a delicious dinner and a good night's sleep for the last time before heading back south towards the coast.

Day 8: Lake Skadar and Bar

Via Cetinje and Rijeka Crnojevića, you reach Lake Skadar, the largest bird sanctuary in Europe. This is the pelican's last habitat on the old continent. Make sure to take a boat trip, or visit one of the numerous monasteries, churches or forts in this area. Later that day, you will move into one of our Caractère hotels, where you will stay for four nights on the Montenegrin Riviera.

Day 9: Cetinje and Lovćen National Park

Cetinje is the ancient capital of Montenegro. A hundred years ago, you could admire numerous noble embassies and King Nikola Petrovic's palace here. However, nowadays it is a museum that is well worth a visit. The city is surrounded by Lovćen National Park, which houses one of the most important monuments, the mausoleum of Njegoš, and offers beautiful panoramas.

Day 10: Sveti Stefan and the Bay of Kotor, world heritage site

The Bay of Kotor is one of the 10 most beautiful bays in the world. Kotor exudes a special softness with its Venetian campaniles and palaces and its taverns and terraces. A visit to Perast and its two small islands are the highlight of this trip. A walk along the exclusive hotel island of Sveti Stefan is well worthwhile.

Day 11: Podgorica

Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro, is located in a wine-growing region and boasts ownership of the most famous wineries. It is a capital that travellers often ignore, but the city is livelier than you think! Here you can see how the real Montenegrins live, people who love going out, art and coffee. In Podgorica, you will also find a mix of historic buildings and modern architecture, and of course delicious local wines that should definitely be tried.