Active Montenegro: Mountains, Coast & Lakes Trip Notes

Ways to Travel: Classic, Guided Group
Destination: Montenegro
Programmes: Multi-Activity
Activity Level:
3 out of 7 - Moderate
8 Days: Land Only
Ages: 16+
Trip Code: VMT

Trip Overview

Hike, ebike, raft and kayak: Journey through mountains and lakes to the Adriatic

Montenegro packs plenty of adventure between the peaks of Durmitor and the Adriatic coast. With a local tour leader guiding the way, ride e-bikes across mountain pastures, hike to Crvena Greda above a glacial lake, and tackle the Tara River’s rapids through Europe’s deepest canyon. The pace eases as we kayak on Skadar Lake and spend time in medieval Kotor, but there’s just as much to savour ashore. Making pastries with a mountain farming family and tasting wines at the Pejanović family winery, we meet the people keeping Montenegrin recipes alive – with appetites well earned.

Is This Trip for You?

This trip is rated Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings, visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us.

Suitability: This active adventure combines hiking, e-biking, rafting and kayaking across Montenegro’s spectacular mountains, lakes and coastline. Expect some longer scenic road journeys, varying temperatures between the mountains and coast, and a flexible itinerary that may occasionally be adapted due to weather or local conditions. All specialist activity equipment is provided, and a moderate level of fitness is recommended.

Adult min age: 16

Min group size: 4

Max group size: 16

Itinerary

Land Only

Start City: Zabljak
End City: Budva

Land Only Itinerary

Begin your adventure in Žabljak, a mountain town in northern Montenegro surrounded by the peaks of Durmitor.

Around 6pm, say zdravo (hello) to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead.

Your tour leader then ensures a big Montenegrin welcome by arranging a group dinner at the hotel restaurant.

Want more time in Žabljak? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.

Accommodation: Polar Star/Nordica/Hotel Aleksandar (or similar)

Meals included: Dinner

Our first full day takes us into the Durmitor mountains by e-bike, following a 28mi (45km) section of the Durmitor Ring. One of the most scenic mountain routes in Montenegro, it takes us across high plateaus and open pasture, passing mountain villages beneath the limestone peaks.

There are climbs along the way, but a little electric assistance helps us tackle them, with viewpoints providing good reasons to pause and appreciate the scale of the landscape.

After, we are invited into the farm home of the Pavićević family, where we join our host to have a go at making traditional local pastries, before tucking into our creations.

Accommodation: Polar Star/Nordica/Hotel Aleksandar (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Head to the Tara River for a rafting adventure through one of the deepest canyons in Europe. From water level, the scale of the landscape becomes clear: steep rock walls rise above us, with forest covering the canyon slopes.

Working together on the paddles, we navigate stretches of whitewater, then enjoy the quieter intervals between rapids. These calmer moments give us time to look up and appreciate the landscape that makes the Tara such a rewarding place to raft.

The river changes with the seasons, with spring snowmelt generally bringing stronger flows. After our time on the water and a scenic lunch at a riverbank restaurant, we return to our hotel.

Accommodation: Polar Star/Nordica/Hotel Aleksandar (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Transfer to the village of Mali Do for our 6mi (10km) hike into Durmitor National Park. Our objective is the summit of Crvena Greda, a limestone peak rising above the glacial waters of Jablan Lake.

The trail climbs gradually before becoming steeper as we approach the mountain. With our tour leader guiding the way, we continue upwards for views over Jablan Lake and across the surrounding peaks and plateaus.

After descending, we travel to the stunning, glacial Black Lake. Here, we pause for a picnic lunch and free time beside the forest-fringed water – remember your swimwear if you fancy a dip – before returning to our hotel.

Accommodation: Polar Star/Nordica/Hotel Aleksandar (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Bid farewell to Žabljak and travel through Tara Canyon, stopping upon the grand arches of Đurđevića Tara Bridge to gaze over the river we experienced by raft.

Continuing to Biogradska Gora National Park, we encounter a different side of Montenegro’s mountains. This protected area preserves ancient woodland, with trees reaching around 500 years old, alongside a beautiful glacial lake, Biogradsko Lake.

For lunch, we head to Savardak, a unique restaurant that serves traditional Montenegrin cuisine from the dome of a mountain pasture cottage (or a savardak).

Full, we transfer to Morača Monastery, a 13th-century Orthodox monastery known for its frescoes, for an exploration, before continuing to our hotel in Rafailovići, near Budva, exchanging the mountain landscapes for the Adriatic coast.

Upgrade to a sea-view room today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Accommodation: Hotel Aleksandar Rafailovići

Meals included: Breakfast

Active Montenegro: Mountains, Coast & Lakes

Journey to Virpazar for a guided kayaking experience on Skadar Lake, the largest lake in the Balkans. Paddling gives us a closer perspective on this wetland landscape, known for its waterlilies and abundant birdlife. Following our guide, we take time to appreciate the lakeside scenery and watch for birds as we move across the water.

We then continue to Mond Winery in the wine-growing region of Crmnica. Here, the Pejanović family have dedicated their lives to preserving the food and wine heritage of Montenegro, using traditional techniques, handwritten recipes passed through the generations and locally sourced ingredients. A wine tasting and lunch showcase their work.

Upgrade to a sea-view room today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Accommodation: Hotel Aleksandar Rafailovići (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

With our mountain and lake adventures behind us, today is a free day to enjoy the Montenegrin coast at our own pace. We might spend time by the sea in Rafailovići, head into Budva, or take the included transfer to Kotor and wander its old town independently, exploring the winding streets and waterfront at leisure.

For those keen to see more, an optional excursion takes in Njeguši and Kotor, combining time in the mountain village with a visit to the coastal town.

In the evening, we gather again for dinner at a restaurant in Budva: a chance to compare favourite moments from the week and toast our adventures together.

Upgrade to a sea-view room today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Accommodation: Hotel Aleksandar Rafailovići (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

You’ve cycled through the Durmitor mountains, rafted the Tara River and kayaked on Skadar Lake, but now it’s time to begin your return journey home.

Alternatively, if you’d like to extend your adventure, speak to your sales representative to discuss our large range of extension options.

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation

We aim to secure locally owned accommodation that is well located, offers good value for money, and plenty of comfort.

Upgrades are available on nights 5, 6 and 7 of this itinerary – speak to your sales representative for more details

Worth knowing

Tailor your trip: Extend your adventure by securing extra hotel nights before or after the main itinerary. Speak to your sales representative to book.
Private rooms: Like most tour operators, we room solo passengers together. If you’d prefer to have a private room, it’s normally possible to do this for a supplement. Speak to your sales representative to book.

Weather & Seasonality

Montenegro combines a sunny Adriatic coastline with dramatic mountain landscapes, creating ideal conditions for active adventures. Summers are warm and dry, while spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for walking, cycling and sightseeing. Coastal areas are generally warmer, while temperatures are cooler in the mountains.

Spring (Apr-Jun): Mild temperatures, wildflowers and fewer crowds.
Summer (Jul-Aug): Hot, sunny days, ideal for coastal exploration and outdoor activities.
Autumn (Sep-Oct): Warm weather, quieter trails and excellent sea temperatures.

Joining Instructions

Key information

Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time on Day 1; there is a welcome briefing around 6pm
Airport: Tivat Airport (TIV)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately three hours’ drive from the airport. We provide one group transfer from the airport to the hotel, which you can join at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.

Catching your return flight

There’s one group transfer to the airport, which you can join at no extra cost. Please speak to your sales representative for the time of the transfer. If the group transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Zabljak
Location end: Budva

What To Take

Essential Equipment

Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
Lightweight waterproof jacket
Warm layer for cooler mountain evenings
Backpack for camera, water bottle, etc
Sun protection
Reusable water bottle
Swimwear

Optional Equipment

Walking poles
Water shoes
Waterproof phone case
Binoculars
Camera
Small dry bag for water-based activities

Practical Info & Visa

Visa

Montenegro

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Montenegro. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

Vaccinations and Health

Montenegro

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Local Time

Montenegro's time zone: Europe/Podgorica (UTC +01:00)

Electricity

Montenegro's electricity:

Plug types C (two round pins) and F (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz

Money

Montenegro's currency: Euro (EUR)

ATM Availability

ATMs are readily available in the towns visited during the trip, and most hotels, restaurants and larger shops accept credit cards. We recommend carrying some cash for smaller purchases and rural locations. Budget for drinks, lunches and dinners not included in the itinerary, optional activities, souvenirs and tips.

Tipping

Our local staff are paid fairly for their work. Tipping is at your discretion, but many wish to tip their tour leader at the end of the trip. We suggest €20-€25 per person for the tour leader. This is completely at your own discretion and to be used as a guideline only.

Sustainability and Impact

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.

You’ll also find Thriving Nature, Thriving People moments across our trips. These experiences are often a highlight of your adventure, while also benefiting the natural world or local communities.

On this trip, we:

Visit the Pavićević household to learn traditional pastry-making techniques and sample local specialities. This provides a direct connection to local culture, supports local families and helps preserve regional culinary traditions.

Important Information

Your Safe Participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call us and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.

Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.

By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.

Seatbelts
All vehicles used by us should be equipped with working seatbelts, except where approved by us based on the vehicle type or journey. Wherever seatbelts are available, we require our customers to use them for their own safety, even where it may not be a legal requirement.

Travel Safety
For additional information please have a look at the travel safety advice page on our website.

How To Book

Speak to our friendly team of experts to plan your adventure:

Check availability: our website shows real-time availability of our guided group tours, or contact our team by phone, email or live chat.
Hold a space: You can provisionally hold a space on any guided group tour to give you time to finalise your travel plans.
Confirm your booking: Payment of a deposit will complete your booking and secure your place on the trip.

After booking
You will receive a confirmation document and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements. Our dedicated Customer Operations team will help you with any pre-travel questions or arrangements and can easily add extensions or extra accommodation to your booking. Final Joining Instructions will usually be sent out two to three weeks prior to departure.

Adding transfers to your booking
If you have arranged your own flights and would like to add transfers to your booking, please provide your arrival and departure details to our Customer Operations team around four to six weeks before departure.

Where complimentary transfers are included, they are available for any flight but can only be added to your booking once we have received your flight schedule.

Where group arrival and departure transfers are available, these operate at fixed times. You will need to arrive in time to meet the scheduled transfer. If the timings don’t align with your travel plans, our team can arrange private transfers once they receive your flight schedule.

Trip Note validity
Trip notes may be updated after booking; if any updates significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary you will be advised in writing. A link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes will be sent out with your Final Joining Instructions before departure.

The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes, and occasionally it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

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