DAY ONE - Arriving to Montenegro
Upon arrival at the airport of your choice, an enjoyable ride with staggering viewpoints waits for you. Accompanied by your guide, you will get the first glimpse at this Mediterranean country during a scenic ride to your hotel. The intervening landscapes of old-times’ architecture and contemporary lifestyle will introduce you to the diversity of this small, yet imposing country. Overnight: Boka Bay.
DAY TWO - The Bay of Kotor: Perast – Boat Ride to The Our Lady of the Rocks Isle – UNESCO’S City of Kotor – Oysters or Wine Tasting
This day is devoted to the Bay of Kotor with its unique scenery. The first stop is at the town of Perast, a little settlement baroque in style, where a relaxing boat ride to the picturesque island of Our Lady of the Rocks starts. This artificial islet is home to a church known for its mystifying story and valuable artifacts like paintings by local artist, votive silver tablets, and a hair-made tapestry.
After a short boat tour, marvelous Kotor kept in the medieval wall-frame welcoming us. A walking tour through the capital of Europe’s southernmost bay shows multicultural richness through the churches of Saint Nicholas and Saint Luka, the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, and all the glory of this UNESCO site. Use your free time to continue wandering around the stone-paved town, or enjoy the offer of the fish restaurant at one of the romantic squares.
For the end of this day, you are welcome to choose an optional excursion:
- Optional 1: A visit to the family-owned and operated shellfish farm. Here you will learn about oyster production and sample some fresh catches amid the charming atmosphere of Boka Bay.
- Optional 2: Try one of the most famous wines from Boka Bay, enjoy a wine tasting with a stunning view over Herceg Novi.
Overnight: Boka Bay.
DAY THREE - Northern Montenegro Essence – NP Durmitor with Black Lake & Traditional Food Tasting
Today, we will be heading north, with the aim of fully getting to know the contrast of this small country. Located in the northwest of Montenegro, UNESCO’s protected National Park Durmitor is adorned with 48 peaks, more than 2.000 meters high. Also, there are 18 glacial lakes above at 1.400 meters altitude called “Mountain Eyes” and five spectacular canyons, best presented with the deepest canyon in Europe – the Tara River Canyon.
The park is home to 1.325 species of flora, including one of the last virgin black pine forests in Europe. Some of the incredible animals that can be found on this mountain are the brown bear, wild cat and chamois. Whether you are exploring Durmitor through
hiking or sightseeing from a vehicle, you will have the exceptional opportunity to discover authentic mountain villages whose inhabitants live similarly to their ancestors hundreds of years ago. This gourmet-hiking adventure is an ideal opportunity to chat with the locals, mainly shepherds and herdsmen, try the homemade, authentic food, and get to know the resilient mentality of people who have spent their entire life surviving, but also indulging in nature.
But the attractions of Durmitor do not stop there – this monumental wonder has several more aces up its sleeve. After visiting one of the most prominent viewpoints named Sedlo, and tasting traditional snacks, you will have the opportunity to hike around the biggest and most incredible lake on Durmitor, called the Black Lake. Surrounded by the magnificent scenery and its giant peak Međed (“Bear”) guarding the lake, the Black Lake is divided into the Great and the Small Lake, connected by a small strait of water that dries up in the summer. The lake is filled with numerous mountain streams, and it truly represents the “Wild beauty” of Montenegro at its best. Overnight: Žabljak.
DAY FOUR - Durmitor – Tara rafting – Podgorica
You have certainly heard that Tara River goes by the name “Tear of Europe” due to its purity. You can drink water from its stream anywhere you catch it, in every part of its flow.
Tara River Canyon is 1.300 m deep, which makes it the greatest canyon in Europe and the second deepest in the world, right after the Colorado River in the USA. Since 1977, the canyon is under the protection of UNESCO, and it is in the category of 25 of the most important world natural heritages.
Experience a rafting adventure full of joy, excitement and exhilaration on a river in emerald green and turquoise colour variations surrounded by flourishing and vibrant nature. Extremely skilled and trained guides will be there for you as a part of your team, every step of the way for the 12 km ride that stretches from Montenegro to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
After this amazing experience ends, the ride along the beautiful nature will bring you to the Montenegrin capital Podgorica. Overnight: Podgorica.
DAY FIVE - Podgorica – Ostrog Monastery – Trebinje
Today, we head to one of the most visited monasteries in Europe. The first part of the day will take you to Ostrog Monastery, situated in a cliff face, 900 meters above the Zeta River valley. The entire ambiance is breathtaking and filled with serenity. The Monastery is dedicated to Saint Vasilije of Ostrog and is a worldwide known pilgrimage site for Orthodox Christians.
Proceeding to the west, we say goodbye to Montenegro until the next time and head across the border to get to know Bosnia & Herzegovina. The first place we meet in Bosnia & Herzegovina is Trebinje, a picturesque town with a wonderful mix of sights originating from a mix of different cultures. The tour starts with a visit to Arslanagića Bridge, a dream for artists and photographers alike; this stone bridge with its peaceful atmosphere will take you 400 years back in time. During the leisurely walk through the narrow streets of the old town, you’ll see the most important sights of Trebinje as you make your way to the so-called ‘Poet’s Square’ where you can sit under the 115-year-old trees, which are the symbol of the town. Overnight: Trebinje.
DAY SIX - Trebinje – Blagaj – Mostar – Sarajevo
On our way to Mostar, we will make a quick stop at Blagaj (a site on the UNESCO Tentative List), an old town from the 15th century where the Kosača noble family ruled. Blagaj was also the crib of Islam of today’s Bosnia and Herzegovina when dervish Sari Satluk built a khanqah at the riverhead of Buna. During the short tour, enjoy the view of the monastery located in a fairytale environment, beneath the cliffs, on the shores of the emerald-green river Buna.
As Herzegovina stands as a significant part of the country, it comes as no surprise that Mostar is the second most famous tourist destination in Bosnia and Herzegovina, right above the capital, Sarajevo.
A city of diversity, Mostar is home to different religions and nationalities, bringing them into a whole. During the Mostar walking tour, you will visit the symbol of the city, the most famous bridge in the Balkans, the Old Bridge (Stari Most) has been rebuilt using original stones recovered from the river. It’s a must-see for history lovers, who can also stroll along what used to be the front line during the war. You will then proceed to Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque, the Crooked Bridge, and the old tanner’s quarter Tabhana. You can use your free time in Mostar for getting lunch on the banks of the Neretva river, with an amazing view of the bridge that rises above you. Afterward, we proceed towards Sarajevo. Overnight: Sarajevo.
DAY SEVEN - Sarajevo Sightseeing – Free Time
The walkable city of Sarajevo charms visitors with its eclectic mix of three religions. A unique mix of European and Middle Eastern influences, Sarajevo is both graceful and vibrant. The capital of Bosnia-Herzegovina is known as the European Jerusalem because it has a large contingent of Muslims, Catholics, and Orthodox Christians. Create your own story in this captivating city by exploring vibrant markets and enjoying delicious cuisine at one of its many restaurants.
A day in Sarajevo is never dull, with its splendid mix of cultures, people, and landmarks. The busy life in Sarajevo starts at Baščaršija, a historical district of the city, with its Sebilj – a centerpiece for meeting among the locals. Make sure to pay a visit to the Clock Tower, Morića Inn, Sacred Heart Cathedral, Tašlihan, and Gazi Husrev-bey’s Mosque, for a true Sarajevo experience. Do not forget to make a stop and drink Bosnian coffee, just after enjoying the famous Bosnian burek – a pie filled with minced meat, the national dish. Overnight: Sarajevo.
DAY EIGHT - Departure
Breakfast and hotel check-out. As most of our clients decide to extend their trip within their own organization, transfer to the airport at the end of the tour is not included in the overall price. Any guests who would like Boccato DMC Montenegro to organize a departure transfer on their behalf are welcome to contact us. End of services.