Highlights of Southern Montenegro Walk

Highlights of Southern Montenegro Walk Trip Notes

Ways to Travel: Self-Guided Holidays
Destination: Montenegro
8 Days: Flight Inclusive
8 Days: Land Only
Ages: 18+
Trip Code: W07HM

Trip Overview

Discover the spectacular Montenegrin coastline, considered one of the most beautiful walking areas in Southern Europe. From ancient monasteries to atmospheric villages, this coastal region has much to offer a keen walker.

Our hotel to hotel 7-night walking holiday allows you to explore the diversity of Montenegro’s culture and landscapes. Uncover the beauty of the Bay of Kotor located on the glistening turquoise waters of the Adriatic. Walk in the magnificent Lovćen National Park, home to the mausoleum of famous poet and ruler Petar II Petrovic Njegos and the former imperial capital of Cetinje. Explore Lake Skadar National Park, featuring the largest lake in the Balkans. This area is distinguished by its rich ecological system and has been recognised as an internationally important area for its flora and fauna.

At a Glance

Hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of HHH and *** hotels
All breakfasts
Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
Luggage transfers between hotels
Walk transfers

Highlights

Set your sights on the most spectacular views from Mount Lovćen, the black mountain that gave Montenegro its name
Discover Lake Skadar, one of Montenegro`s hidden gems
Stay in UNESCO Kotor, the most famous town in Montenegro

Group

As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. A local agent is on hand to assist you and will meet you at the beginning of the trip to go through the routes and point out particular places of interest.

Adult min age: 18

Itinerary

Land Only

Start City: Kotor
End City: South Montenegro

Flight Inclusive

Start City: London Gatwick
End City: Podgorica

Land Only Itinerary

Explore the waterfront town of Kotor before your trip briefing.

Today’s walk takes you up through cyclamen-strewn woods to the ridge of the peninsula separating the Bay of Kotor and the outer part of the Bay of Tivat. You climb up to the mighty Vrmac fortress; built in 1892 it remains almost completely intact. From here you follow the ridge to the summit of Vrmac, Saint Ilija (765m) before descending through chestnut woods via an abandoned village to Stoliv. Transfer back to Kotor.

After a short transfer to the village of Orahovac, follow a zig-zag trail on the northern side of the Kotor Channel. You are initially walking through woods before reaching a col and the ruins of the Vranovo Brdo fortress. From here you emerge at a wonderful viewpoint where breathtaking views of the Kotor Channel and the Adriatic Coast await you. Continue to Perast, with its ancient churches and houses. We meet you and take you back to your accommodation in Kotor.

Starting outside the city walls, this walk takes you up the famous Ladder of Kotor. Following the old trade route which once connected Cetinje with Kotor, you will be rewarded with countless magnificent views towards Kotor and the Kotor Channel. Continue through pine forests and between mountains until you reach Vrh Polija. From there you are transferred to your accommodation in Ivanova Korita, in the centre of Lovcen National Park.

From your hotel in the mountains, a gentle descent to Montenegro’s former capital of Cetinje. You will pass many flower strewn meadows and arrive in plenty of time to explore Cetinje, which has wonderful museums, churches and monasteries, as well as an old diplomatic quarter.

A pleasant walk today through lovely farmland to reach Rijeka Crnojevika, situated on a river feeding Lake Skadar, the largest in the Balkans. The riverside and old stone arch bridge at Rijeka Crnojevica are very picturesque.

There is a transfer this morning along a wonderfully panoramic road to the start of today’s walk in a traditional village above Lake Skadar. You follow an ancient trail through pretty hamlets in the Orahovista valley, and then continue with wonderful views of Lake Skadar into the centre of Virpazar.

Accommodation

These are the standard hotels for our ” trip. If you’d like to extend your time at any of these or, if you’d like to enhance your stay with an upgraded room, just let us know at the time of booking.

Early bookng is advised as during busy times we may have to substitute individual hotels for one of an equal or superior standard.

Hotel Marija, Kotor:

Hotel Marija boasts a prime location, located within the anicent city walls of the UNESCO recognised Kotor’s Old Town but just 100m from the waterfront of Kotor Bay. It’s housed in a beautiful Baroque building and is traditional in style, with handmade oak pannelling and the original white stone walls on show in the breakfast room,

The hotel has 17 simply furnished yet cosy rooms, with parquet flooring, pastel coloured walls and ensuite facilities.

Hotel Monte Rosa, Ivanova Korita:

The 4* Hotel Monte Rosa is set in the heart of the Lovćen National Park, with lovely views over the surrounding mountains, especially from the spacious terrace. The hotel is characterised in style by a combination of the traditional and modern. The hotel also benefits from a guests’ lounge.

Pansion 22, Cetinje:

Owned by the Martinović family, Pansion 22 can be found in the heart of the old town, 200m away from Zetski dom, King Nikola’s Museum, Cetinje Monastery and the President’s Residence.

This accommodation features 8 rooms and apartments, all of which come with free Wi-Fi, television and air conditioning.

Traditional hotels and guesthouses , South Montenegro:

We use a selection of traditional 3* hotels and HHH guesthouses, which are warm, welcoming and generally family run.

All are comfortable, with ensuite or occasionally private facilities, with welcoming hosts. Breakfasts are included as standard.

Transport

Your luggage is transported from hotel to hotel for you.

Joining Instructions

The tour normally begins at the start hotel in Kotor.

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: Kotor
Location end: South Montenegro

What To Take

Practical Information

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 +02:00)

Electricity

Montenegro's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins) and F (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz

Money

Montenegro's currency: Euro (EUR)

At Exodus we believe in the power of Responsible Travel.

Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. To learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus click here.