Among the Untamed Balkan Alps

Departure with direct WizzAir flight to Podgorica, capital of Montenegro, then meet our local guide
and driver. Approximately 1 hour drive to the “Grand Canyon of Europe”, the Tara Canyon, with short photo breaks at the most picturesque points. Optional canopy option and rest at the justly famous Tara Valley Bridge. Drive through the town of Mojkovac to the forests of Biogradska National Park. 2 hours in the shady forests with a walk along the side of the fabulous lake. Onward journey through the town of Berane to Andrijevica, en route a briefing on the demographics of the Montenegrin-Albanian border region, the break-up of the Ottoman Empire in the area. A brief history of the late Sandžak of Novipazar. Late afternoon visit to the Lim valley, a resort town of Plav with a still significant Muslim population, “squeezed” between the high mountains of Visitor and Prokletije (Albanian Alps). Plav is the largest sea lake in Montenegro, situated on the shores of Lake Plav at 906 m, surrounded by peaks that scratch the sky in all directions, with good visibility. Walk around the town centre and then along the pier of the sea. Return to Kolasin in the evening.

After breakfast, travel to the mountain town of Gusinje (Gucia in Albanian), at an altitude of 1,000 m, at the foot of the Albanian Alps. A short visit to the main mosque. The Prokletije / Albanian Alps are the top of the Dinari Mountains. Here, on the triple border between Montenegro, Kosovo and Albania, the Zla Kolata (2,534 m), the highest peak in Montenegro, is “congested”; the Deravica (2,656 m), the highest peak in Kosovo, and the Jezercë (2,694 m), the second highest peak in Albania. Its glaciers once carved the undulating masses into extremely steep cathedrals 8-10 km long, and it is said to have 5 active ice streams (!) Its windward sides are drenched by 4,000 mm of rainfall a year, and its ridges are home to a good number of Balkan zergans – while in its valleys, the forest wolf or Balkan lynx are not uncommon. A full-day hike on the terrain above Vusanje, with 3 different difficulty levels, from easy walking to more difficult panoramic climbing. Return to Kolasin in the evening.

Approximately 2 hour drive to Budva to the Adriatic coast. On the way, a presentation on the economic power of the late Venetian Republic (697-1797), La Serenissima, its extensive connections, with special reference to the past of Albania Veneta (Venetian Albania). A few words about the Adriatic geography and the history of the late Austro-Hungarian Adriatic exploring expeditions. Late morning arrival in Budva, the jewel of the Montenegrin Riviera. Beach and swimming. Check in at our accommodation after 2.00 PM. In the evening, optional walk in the old town of Venice. Night in Budva.

Breakfast at the hotel, then travel to Cetinje, the capital of the independent 19th century Kingdom of Crna Gora. Once a “nest” among almost impassable mountains, the town became the cradle of the Montenegrin state in the 15th century. Its famous monastery has stood since the 1480s, and its streets are still reminiscent of the 19th century. A walk by the Royal Chapel. The mini state became independent between 1885 and 1918, a period that is recalled by the many embassy buildings on the only main street. Photography at the Russian, British and French Embassies and the Presidential Palace. A short break “at home” in the courtyard of the Austro-Hungarian Embassy. Continue to the Bay of Cattaron (Cotori Bay), a place of unique beauty. Photographing the fantastic panoramic views of the bay “from the sky”, then descend the neck-breaking serpentines on the side of Mount Lovcen. The town was the southern military port of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Learning about the history of the Hungarian sailors who served in the K. and K. navy and fleet (nearly 40% of the fleet was of Hungarian nationality!). A walk together in the UNESCO World Heritage protected old town of Kotor (Cattaro), with a visit to the former naval headquarters, now a museum. Short trip to the small town of Perast. Enjoy the wonderful scenery and tranquillity. Photography of St George’s Island and the Chiesa della Madonna della Scarpello island church from the shore. Depending on time available, return to Budva. Night in Budva.

A full day of relaxation on the best beach in Montenegro, with a beach holiday. Free time in the Old Town and optional activities. Night in Budva.

After breakfast, travel through the Vojnik Mountains and then to the UNESCO World Heritage protected Durmitor National Park. On the way, we will be introduced to the unique geographical diversity of this 14,000 km2 (but beautiful in every square metre!) state, with the most important legends and authentic tales of Crna Gora”s past. A sketchy overview of the topography of the Dinari Mountains. Accommodation in Zabljak, the “tourist capital” of Durmitor, Montenegro”s main ski resort. Light optional early morning walk and preparation for the day ahead. Night in Zabljak.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Water Mountains (Durmitor) are a treasure trove of karst formations. Its igneous sedimentary rocks have been shaped by glaciation, surface and subsurface watercourses. More than 50 peaks rise above 2,000 m, while its rivers carve Europe’s deepest canyons. In the depths of the Draga;- Susica and Komarnyica canyons, 37 endemic plants “hide”, and on the hillsides, black pine forests tower. Transhumant herding is still practised in the pastures above 1,600 m, the most famous landscape being the 90 km long, 1,300 m deep Tara Canyon. A full-day hike in the Durmitor National Park, in the surroundings of the Crno Ezero promontory (sea eye), with 3 different difficulty routes, from easy walking to more difficult panoramic climbing. Return to the hostel in the morning. Night in Zabljak.

After breakfast transfer to Podgorica International Departure to Budapest by direct scheduled WizzAir flight at.