Tara River Canyon: the second largest in the world
Personalized quotation
Luggage transfer
24h telephone assistance
Hotel accommodations
The route through this beautiful little European country has it all: from mountain, lake and forest trips, to coastal tours of the vast Adriatic Sea.
In the northern part you will get to know Durmitor National Park, located on the mountain of the same name and which is part of the Dinaric Alps. This 39,000 hectare protected area was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980.
The nature park is also made up of the Komarnica Plateau and the canyons of the Susica, Draga and Tara rivers, the latter being the second longest in the world and the longest in Europe, with a length of 78 km, and 1,300 m deep.
Later you will visit Kotor Bay, on the shores of the Adriatic Sea, where you will find charming islets, ports and ancient places such as the beautiful Perast, considered one of the most beautiful in Montenegro.
- Tour the beautiful and crystal clear River Tara, also known as "The Tear of Europe".
- Enjoy the 40 waterfalls that are distributed along the Tara River Canyon.
- Explore another beautiful nature park in Kotor Bay: Lovcen.
- Visit charming medieval villages and villas on the shores of the Adriatic Sea.
- Get to know Lake Skadar, the largest concentration of freshwater in the Balkans.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Zabljak
This small municipality in north-eastern Montenegro is located in the Durmitor region, the highest town in the Balkans. The city is surrounded by 18 glacial lakes, among these Crno Jezero (Black Lake), one of the largest.
Zabljak is an attractive point for locals and foreigners, as it is ideal to visit in winter, where you can go skiing, or in summer for walking, mountaineering or water sports.
Near the city, there are also several monasteries such as the Piva Monastery, considered one of the most important in Montenegro; and churches, such as the Uspenja Bogorodice built between 1573 and 1586, highly valued for its architecture and frescoes.
Zabljak is an attractive point for locals and foreigners, as it is ideal to visit in winter, where you can go skiing, or in summer for walking, mountaineering or water sports.
Near the city, there are also several monasteries such as the Piva Monastery, considered one of the most important in Montenegro; and churches, such as the Uspenja Bogorodice built between 1573 and 1586, highly valued for its architecture and frescoes.
Overnight in Zabljak
Hotel Polar Star
This hotel is located in Borje, just 4 km from Zabljak. It offers apartments and rooms equipped with all amenities such as a flat-screen TV and Wi-Fi.
It has a restaurant with delicious local food and a bar with a wide selection of wines from all over the world. Enjoy your stay while admiring the beautiful landscape around Durmitor.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
It has a restaurant with delicious local food and a bar with a wide selection of wines from all over the world. Enjoy your stay while admiring the beautiful landscape around Durmitor.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 2 - Enjoy your day in the Durmitor National Park 9 miles | 14,4 km
You'll start the day with an included transfer from Zabljak to Durmitor National Park, the largest in the country at 39,000 hectares. It is surrounded by the Piva and Tara rivers, and is home to 5 canyons; caverns and caves; glacial lakes; and 48 peaks or mountains, one of which is Bobotov kuk, the highest peak in Montenegro at 2,522m.
During the tour you will visit the wonderful Crno Jezero or Black Lake, the most imposing of the lakes that make up the park, the Zminje jezero and the Barno jezero. While exploring this magnificent place, you can also admire the unique and varied flora and fauna that make up the region. For example: more than 1,500 plant species; immense forests of pines, fir trees, birch trees and junipers; and the last virgin forest of black pines throughout Europe.
Moreover, the fauna includes more than 130 types of birds such as the peregrine falcon or the golden eagle; 50 mammals such as the grizzly bear, the grey wolf and the European wildcat; and Danube salmon, an endangered species.
At the end of the day, you will have an included transfer back to Zabljak.
During the tour you will visit the wonderful Crno Jezero or Black Lake, the most imposing of the lakes that make up the park, the Zminje jezero and the Barno jezero. While exploring this magnificent place, you can also admire the unique and varied flora and fauna that make up the region. For example: more than 1,500 plant species; immense forests of pines, fir trees, birch trees and junipers; and the last virgin forest of black pines throughout Europe.
Moreover, the fauna includes more than 130 types of birds such as the peregrine falcon or the golden eagle; 50 mammals such as the grizzly bear, the grey wolf and the European wildcat; and Danube salmon, an endangered species.
At the end of the day, you will have an included transfer back to Zabljak.
Overnight in Zabljak
Hotel Polar Star
This hotel is located in Borje, just 4 km from Zabljak. It offers apartments and rooms equipped with all amenities such as a flat-screen TV and Wi-Fi.
It has a restaurant with delicious local food and a bar with a wide selection of wines from all over the world. Enjoy your stay while admiring the beautiful landscape around Durmitor.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
It has a restaurant with delicious local food and a bar with a wide selection of wines from all over the world. Enjoy your stay while admiring the beautiful landscape around Durmitor.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 3 - Zabljak to Kolasin 9 miles | 14,2 km
Today you'll get to know the River Tara and its 1,300-metre-deep canyon, the second largest in the world after the Grand Canyon in Colorado, Arizona, USA. It is also known as "The Tear of Europe" for being one of the cleanest, clearest and most beautiful rivers in the old continent.
The hike ends in Ćurevac and from there you will have an included transfer to Kolasin, where you will spend the night.
The hike ends in Ćurevac and from there you will have an included transfer to Kolasin, where you will spend the night.
Overnight in Kolasin
Bianca Resort & Spa
From the hotel you will have incredible views of the snow-capped peaks that make up the Bjelasnica mountain range.
The hotel has excellent facilities and comfortable rooms. It is admired for its unique exterior architecture and its El Chives restaurant, which serves delicious national and international food.
You can also enjoy other spaces such as the bar, cafe, nightclub, and wellness area with spa and two swimming pools.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
The hotel has excellent facilities and comfortable rooms. It is admired for its unique exterior architecture and its El Chives restaurant, which serves delicious national and international food.
You can also enjoy other spaces such as the bar, cafe, nightclub, and wellness area with spa and two swimming pools.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 4 - Enjoy your day in the Lovcen National Park 9,2 miles |14,8 km
After an included transfer you will arrive at another of Montenegro's most beautiful National Parks, located in the rocky section of the Dinaric Alps. It is made up of 6,220 hectares and is home to the Monte Negro (Crna Gora in Montenegrin), which precisely gave the country its name in the 9th century.
The park is also made up of the Stirovnik, Jezierski vrh, Babljak and Treetenik mountains, where the influx of Mediterranean and continental climates gives us more than 1,300 species of flora, 4 of them endemic, and about 200 species of birds and insects.
On Jezierski Peak, you will find the Njegos mausoleum and monument, built in honour of the Montenegrin prince-bishop and poet Petar II Petrovic Njegos, the father of the fatherland who helped build the country's modern national identity. In addition to being a sacred place for locals, it is also one of the most impressive scenic spots from where you can see Lake Skadar, Kotor Bay and Durmitor Park.
Afterwards you will walk to Njegusi, a small medieval village on the slopes of Mount Lovcen, where the monarchs of the Petrović dynasty, the last dynasty of Montenegro, originated.
From Njegusi you will have an included transfer to Perast.
The park is also made up of the Stirovnik, Jezierski vrh, Babljak and Treetenik mountains, where the influx of Mediterranean and continental climates gives us more than 1,300 species of flora, 4 of them endemic, and about 200 species of birds and insects.
On Jezierski Peak, you will find the Njegos mausoleum and monument, built in honour of the Montenegrin prince-bishop and poet Petar II Petrovic Njegos, the father of the fatherland who helped build the country's modern national identity. In addition to being a sacred place for locals, it is also one of the most impressive scenic spots from where you can see Lake Skadar, Kotor Bay and Durmitor Park.
Afterwards you will walk to Njegusi, a small medieval village on the slopes of Mount Lovcen, where the monarchs of the Petrović dynasty, the last dynasty of Montenegro, originated.
From Njegusi you will have an included transfer to Perast.
Overnight in Perast
Conte Hotel & Restaurant
The hotel is located where the Cultural Centre was formerly, a historic building facing the sea, just a 4-minute walk from the beach.
Each room here will provide you with air conditioning and satellite TV. Free Wi-Fi is available in the lobby, and fish specialties can be enjoyed in the restaurant.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Each room here will provide you with air conditioning and satellite TV. Free Wi-Fi is available in the lobby, and fish specialties can be enjoyed in the restaurant.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 5 - Enjoy your day in Kotor
After an included transfer, you will have the possibility to visit Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage City, listed as one of the jewels of the Balkans and the Adriatic, for its charming medieval architecture and variety of monuments.
The Main Square, the Sveti Tripun Cathedral, built in 1116, and the churches of St. Nicholas and St. Luke are some of the must-see sights. You can also visit the Maritime Museum or, for cat lovers, the museum dedicated to these felines.
The best view of the town and Kotor Bay will be obtained by climbing the 1,350 steps to the St. John Fortress. You will have an included excursion around the extensive bay of Kotor and discover the beautiful historical and medieval villages such as Herceg Novi, Risan and Tivat.
At the end of the day, you will have an included transfer back to your accommodation in Perast.
The Main Square, the Sveti Tripun Cathedral, built in 1116, and the churches of St. Nicholas and St. Luke are some of the must-see sights. You can also visit the Maritime Museum or, for cat lovers, the museum dedicated to these felines.
The best view of the town and Kotor Bay will be obtained by climbing the 1,350 steps to the St. John Fortress. You will have an included excursion around the extensive bay of Kotor and discover the beautiful historical and medieval villages such as Herceg Novi, Risan and Tivat.
At the end of the day, you will have an included transfer back to your accommodation in Perast.
Overnight in Perast
Conte Hotel & Restaurant
The hotel is located where the Cultural Centre was formerly, a historic building facing the sea, just a 4-minute walk from the beach.
Each room here will provide you with air conditioning and satellite TV. Free Wi-Fi is available in the lobby, and fish specialties can be enjoyed in the restaurant.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Each room here will provide you with air conditioning and satellite TV. Free Wi-Fi is available in the lobby, and fish specialties can be enjoyed in the restaurant.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 6 - Enjoy your day in the Lake Skadar
You will start the day with an included transfer from Perast to the Zeta-Skadar Valley on the Albanian border, where you will find Lake Skadar, one of the largest lakes in Europe and the largest on the Balkan Peninsula.
You will enjoy a pleasant boat ride on the lake and have the chance to discover the diversity of fauna and flora that this body of water harbours. It has about 270 species of birds, 90% of them are migratory and others, endangered. There are also 50 species of fish and 3 of snakes.
You will finish the day with an included transfer from Skadar Lake to Perast.
You will enjoy a pleasant boat ride on the lake and have the chance to discover the diversity of fauna and flora that this body of water harbours. It has about 270 species of birds, 90% of them are migratory and others, endangered. There are also 50 species of fish and 3 of snakes.
You will finish the day with an included transfer from Skadar Lake to Perast.
Overnight in Perast
Conte Hotel & Restaurant
The hotel is located where the Cultural Centre was formerly, a historic building facing the sea, just a 4-minute walk from the beach.
Each room here will provide you with air conditioning and satellite TV. Free Wi-Fi is available in the lobby, and fish specialties can be enjoyed in the restaurant.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Each room here will provide you with air conditioning and satellite TV. Free Wi-Fi is available in the lobby, and fish specialties can be enjoyed in the restaurant.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 7 - Enjoy your day in the Vrmac Mountain 7,4 miles | 12 km
The day starts with an included transfer to Trojica, where you will begin your hike to Vrmac Mountain, an extension of Mount Lovćen that divides the towns of Kotor and Tivat and from where you will have magnificent views of the entire bay.
This mountain is an extension of the Lovcen Peninsula that divides the villages of Kotor and Tivat, so you will have magnificent views of the entire bay. Climb to the highest peak, St Ilija, where you can see the Prevlaka Peninsula (Flower Peninsula), The Island of San Marko and the Island of Our Lady of Mercy.
Afterwards, you will descend again to Trojica, from where you will have an included transfer to Perast.
This mountain is an extension of the Lovcen Peninsula that divides the villages of Kotor and Tivat, so you will have magnificent views of the entire bay. Climb to the highest peak, St Ilija, where you can see the Prevlaka Peninsula (Flower Peninsula), The Island of San Marko and the Island of Our Lady of Mercy.
Afterwards, you will descend again to Trojica, from where you will have an included transfer to Perast.
Overnight in Perast
Conte Hotel & Restaurant
The hotel is located where the Cultural Centre was formerly, a historic building facing the sea, just a 4-minute walk from the beach.
Each room here will provide you with air conditioning and satellite TV. Free Wi-Fi is available in the lobby, and fish specialties can be enjoyed in the restaurant.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Each room here will provide you with air conditioning and satellite TV. Free Wi-Fi is available in the lobby, and fish specialties can be enjoyed in the restaurant.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 8 - Perast
If you have time, tour a little more of Perast, one of Montenegro's most beautiful towns. Get to know the 19 palaces that make it up, the Church of St. Nicholas and Our Lady of the Rosary, or the Sv. Kriza Castle at the top of the village.
Remember that to go to Podgorica Airport the best option is to rent a car. You can also take a taxi to Cetinje and from there take the bus to the capital.
End of our services.
Remember that to go to Podgorica Airport the best option is to rent a car. You can also take a taxi to Cetinje and from there take the bus to the capital.
End of our services.
Itinerary map
Services
Included
- Accommodation in en suite rooms in charming hotels
- Daily Breakfasts
- Evening meals on days 1, 2, and 3
- Luggage transfers between accommodations
- Transfers as specified in the itinerary
- Information dossier with maps and routes
- Entrance to Durmitor National Park
- Boat trip in Kotor Bay and Skadar lake
- 24-hour telephone support
- Sustainable travel, we compensate the CO2 emissions of your trip
- Taxes
Extras
- Travel insurance
- Cancellation insurance
- Additional nights
Accomodation
General information
The accommodations with which we collaborate have a private bathroom and all the necessary services to ensure the best comfort available.
Our team checks in situ the quality of all the accommodations offered, so that you have an unforgettable experience during your trip.
The accommodation that we will book for your trip will be selected taking into account our commitment to you: guaranteeing comfort, calm and enjoyment throughout your trip.
We work with quality hotels and country cottages with limited capacity, so we invite you to confirm your reservation as soon as possible.
The name of each accommodation will be provided to you a few weeks before your trip begins.
Room types
It is possible to book this journey in single, double or triple rooms.
All rooms have private bathrooms.
Travel & transfers
You will need to reach Podgorica International Airport, located 12 km south of the Montenegro capital. From there you have several options to get to Zabljak, the city where you start your adventure.
The first is a train to Vrbnica where you can take a taxi to the municipality of Zabljak. You can also use the train, but heading towards Niksei, from where you'll need to take the bus to Zabljak. Both journeys can take a little longer than 2 hours.
Another alternative and probably the most comfortable, is to rent a car at the airport.
To return from Perast, you can also rent a private car and head to Podgorica, about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
You also have the option to take a taxi to Cetinje and from there take the bus to the capital. A slightly cheaper but longer alternative is to take a bus to Tivat, and there, transfer to another bus to Podgorica.
The first is a train to Vrbnica where you can take a taxi to the municipality of Zabljak. You can also use the train, but heading towards Niksei, from where you'll need to take the bus to Zabljak. Both journeys can take a little longer than 2 hours.
Another alternative and probably the most comfortable, is to rent a car at the airport.
To return from Perast, you can also rent a private car and head to Podgorica, about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
You also have the option to take a taxi to Cetinje and from there take the bus to the capital. A slightly cheaper but longer alternative is to take a bus to Tivat, and there, transfer to another bus to Podgorica.
FAQs
Is luggage transfer included? What are the luggage requirements?
Absolutely! Each traveller has included 1 piece of luggage that we will transfer between your accommodations. It's important that this piece of luggage meets the following criterias:
- Maximum weight of 45 lbs (20 kg).
- Must be only 1 piece of luggage without any attachments or accessories.
- Should not contain valuables, fragile items, food or medications.
- Must be correctly identified (booking reference of your trip and the full name of the trip holder).
What is the best time of year to do this route?
We recommend you take this route between May and June, in the spring, as the weather is warm without being suffocating and is not yet high season, so the tourist destinations will not be crowded. It is ideal for water sports such as rafting, kayaking and even diving.
It is also beautiful to visit Montenegro in late summer and early autumn, between September and October, as the brown colours of the landscape and mild weather will make your walks an unprecedented experience.
Of course during the summer, between July and August, most destinations are ideal. Keep in mind that the weather can be quite hot due to the country's coastal location and that costs are probably higher.
How far in advance should I book my trip?
We recommend that you book as soon as you are sure about your dates, as accommodation can fill up very quickly in this area.
What should my physical preparation be?
Don't worry if you don't have the experience of a professional walker, as this route is of low difficulty.
However, your lifestyle should be active as daily walks include several kilometres through different scenarios such as forests, canyons, rivers, mountains and slopes.
Some sections are rocky, and could be slippery and on some days there are ascents, so we recommend preparing yourself physically to enjoy this adventure to the fullest.
What equipment do I need to bring?
Once you make your reservation we will send you all the detailed information about the specific equipment you need for this route, considering recommendations for shoes, boots, clothes and a day-to day backpack.
What if I'm not able to finish one of the stages?
You can call us to arrange a private transfer for you.
If you prefer, you can also use public transport or local taxis to get to your next accommodation.
Is this walking holiday for me?
If you are looking for an adventure in water, and over land and mountain, this route through Montenegro is ideal. You can enjoy wonderful Mediterranean and Alpine landscapes and microclimates.
On this route, you will find abundant plants and vegetation as well as unique fauna, for example, a wide variety of birds of prey.
If you also like to learn about history and art, this route will also take you through medieval villages that hide stories from thousands of years ago.
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