Montenegro Coastal Transversal Trek
Simply the most spectacular way to see Montenegro's legendary coastline, immersed in a local culture which the tourists never see.
The Poet Lord Byron famously wrote that, "The most beautiful contact between the earth and sea took place at the Montenegrin littoral". From Mount Orijen bordering Croatia and Bosnia in the west, through the UNESCO protected bay of Kotor and majestic Mount Lovcen, then south east over Rumija to Lake Skadar, the Montenegro Coastal transversal mountains are the backdrop to Montenegro's stunning coastline.
Our tour follows the ridges and peaks of Montenegro's coast, through abandoned villages and ancient fortresses, along forgotten paths high above the Adriatic. The mountains were the meeting point of Slavic, Turkish and Venetian cultures, the boundary between the coastal invaders and the proud Montenegrins of the mountainous interior. Our local guides have an unrivalled knowledge of the mountains, of their history, the people and the wildlife which can be found there.
The tour starts and ends at sea level, gradually reaching an altitude of 1894 meters along the way. We cross 3 mountain ranges – Orijen, Lovcen above Kotor and summit Mount Rumija, before descending to the beautiful Lake Skadar bordering Albania.
We don’t force the pace, there is too much to see. The route enjoys jaw dropping views of the coast and beaches, busy with tourists far below. The tracks themselves are not technically difficult, and we limit walking time to 6-7 hours each day with a generous stop for lunch. This tour is suitable for anyone who is moderately fit.
If you want to experience the real Montenegro far from tourists, guided by experienced and friendly local guides. If you want to be among the few who have seen Montenegro at its most spectacular, to share an unforgettable experience with a small friendly group. Then this tour is for you.
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Itinerary / Highlights
DAY 1 – Arrival / Mount Orjen - OvernightArrival and transfer to Herceg Novi. Welcome drink and meeting with your guides. Time later to explore the historic 13th century Old Town of Herceg Novi before transfer to Vrban on Mount Orijen. Overnight in Konoba in the village of Vrban.
DAY 2 – Full Day Hiking Mount Orjen descending to Perast
Early breakfast and hike to Crkvice on Orjen mountain after a short break we continue from Crkvice to the village of Ledenice following an excellent path built by Austro-Hungarian soldiers in the 19th century (we pass 3 old Austro-Hungarian fortresses with excellent sea views from an average altitude of 1000m). Transfer by road from Ledenice to the baroque town of Perast in the Bay of Kotor. Perast is protected by UNESCO and nearly all buildings date from the 17th century or earlier. Dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight accomodation in a 15th century small hotel, all rooms with ensuite bathrooms.
Hiking time : 7 hours
DAY 3 – Hiking above the Bay of Kotor
Breakfast and transfer by road from Perast to the village of Ubalac (650m) by an old asphalt/tarmac road with stunning views over the Bay. Hiking from Ubalac along the mountain edges above the Bay at average altitudes of about 800-1000m (passing Fort Vranovo Brdo, an old Austro-Hungarian fortress and abandoned traditional villages). Finishing the day at Mali Zalazi village (850 m) with accommodation in a traditional stone house, where we cook food over the hearth before watching the sunset from a cliff 900m above the Bay. Transfer to small mountain hotel for overnight.
Hiking time : 7 hours
DAY 4 – Full Day Hiking Mount Lovcen
Breakfast and hike from Mali Zalazi to the Krstac pass with a visit to the Pestingrad vertical cliff above Kotor. Transfer by road from Krstac to Jezerski Vrh peak (1657 m) on Lovcen mountain to visit the Njegos mausoleum. This peak is the spiritual center for Montenegrins. The mausoleum contains the remains of the greatest Montenegrin poet and statesman Petar Petrovic Njegos. Transfer from Jezerski Vrh to Ivanova Korita village in Lovcen National Park where we enjoy a home-cooked dinner. Overnight at Ivanova Korita in bungalows. Hiking time : 5 hours
DAY 5 – Descent to Rijeka Crnojevica
Start the day with breakfast with a local family and then start our hike to Babina Glava peak (1474 m) with amazing views over Grbalj valley, Bay of Kotor and the Adriatic sea. Return via Dolovi village to Ivanova Korita for lunch. Transfer by road to the Old Capital of Montenegro, Cetinje. Following a sightseeing break in the city, we continue with a transfer to Rijeka Crnojevica close to Skadar Lake. Hike from Rijeka Crnojevica to the village of Smokovci and enjoy a home-cooked dinner and overnight accommodation in a traditional Montenegrin house. Hiking time : 3 hours + 2 hours
DAY 6 – Travelling through Lake Skadar National Park
After breakfast the group will be invited to take part in a pottery workshop with our hosts in Smokovci. Try your hand at making your clay cups as souvenirs of your trip. Hike to the amazing village of Poseljani which has 14 (mostly abandoned) old watermills followed by a 3 hour boat trip on Skadar Lake, the largest freshwater lake in the Balkans and an important bird conservation site. Visit the fisherman`s village of Dodosi, boating / swimming in the crystal waters of Karatuna river and a fish lunch at a riverside restaurant. The boat trip concludes in Virpazar, a small village in the centre of Skadar Lake. Transfer from Virpazar to the south side of Sutorman mountain by local road before enjoying an evening meal in an inn with beautiful views of the Lake. Transfer to the foot of Rumija mountain for overnight accommodation in tents in the Dobri Do valley (1000m).
Hiking time : 3 hours
DAY 7 – Summitting Rumija
After breakfast start the hike to the summit of Rumija (1595m) with magnificent views of the Adriatic, Skadar Lake and Albania. This peak has spiritual significance in Balkan folklore dating back more than 1000 years. Continued hiking down to the village of Gornja Briska (450 m) on the Skadar Lake side of Rumija. Enjoy a home-cooked lunch in the village with a local family before transferring by road back to Herceg Novi. Evening celebration dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight Hotel Sun Resort, Herceg Novi.
Time : 6 hours. Terrain : Rocky trails, some steep drops.
DAY 8 - Departure
Breakfast and transfer to the airport.
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