Breakfast. For the first full day here, we have prepared an experience to remember during which you will have the opportunity to taste some of the finest wines of Montenegro and enjoy the picturesque nature of Skadar Lake National Park. First, we will visit a family-owned winery in the heart of the Montenegrin signature wine region of Crmnica. This adventure will be rounded off by enjoying a wine tasting and comparing different types of wine aged in large barrels, and benefitting from the expertise and knowledge of the resident winemaker.

The fishing village of Virpazar is a departure point for a boat ride on Skadar Lake. As you glide through the mirroring water, the numerous lake’s attractions reveal extraordinary birds, the water lilies in full bloom, and wild, secluded beaches. Skadar Lake has an area ranging from 370 to 530 square kilometers, depending on the water level, and it is the biggest lake in the Balkans.

An opportunity to reflect on the day behind will be given to you at the recently reconstructed 15th-century fortress. The stunning ambiance of Besac Fortress is the place where you can learn more about the history of this region and have a tasty lunch break. Here, your wine journey continues, as you can also enjoy a selection of wines produced in this region with a unique microclimate.

On our way back to the hotel, we will make a short stop above the charming St. Stefan islet, where you will have the opportunity to take the best photo of your stay in Montenegro

Overnight: Budva or Tivat.

Standard package: Hotel Pine 4* / Moskva 4* / Bracera 4* or similar
Premium package: Hotel La Roche 5* / Avala 5* / Budva 4* or similar

After breakfast, we are going up to the Lovćen massif area. Right there, high above and behind those hills, Montenegrin history begins and ends in the very same place. First stop for the day is the Old Royal Town of Cetinje, in which you will learn about the Petrović Njegoš dynasty and the history of our country.

The National Park Lovćen encompasses the central and the highest part of the Lovćen massif, covering an area of 6.400 hectares. On top of one of the mountain’s two imposing peaks, lies a magnificent mausoleum – the tomb of Montenegro’s greatest person in history: Petar II Petrović Njegoš. It takes 461 steps to climb to reach but it is a steep journey well worth the effort. At the very top, you will be rewarded with a spectacular viewpoint from the world’s highest mausoleum.

Afterward, we continue to Njeguši, the village known as the birthplace of the royal dynasty Petrović and a ‘guardian’ of the authentic architecture and cuisine in the region. Njeguški sir and pršut (cheese and prosciutto of Njeguši), a real treat for true foodies, are both genuine contributions to Montenegrin cuisine, produced only in this area, following the traditional recipe for smoking and curing meat.

Finally, the stunning view of the Boka Bay will leave you in awe, while driving down the old, Austro Hungarian 25-serpentine-road. At first very rough and steep, but they actually simbolize a love tribute to the former Queen of Montenegro – Queen Milena, as they form the first letter of her name – ’’M’’.

Use free evening and try out some of the finest Montenegrin wines, made from the authentic red grape variety Vranac, as well as some organic honey, figs, and a homemade spirit called rakija. It is highly recommended to enjoy these delicacies at the konoba – a small, traditional restaurants owned by local families, a true essence of Montenegrin’s warm hospitality and friendship

Overnight: Boka Bay.

Standard package: Hotel Casa del Mare – Blanche 4* / Montebay Perla 4* or similar
Premium package: Hotel Casa del Mare – Mediterraneo 5* / Lazure Marina & Hotel 5* or similar

Breakfast. 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 short boat tour, marvellous Kotor kept in the mediaeval wall-frame is welcoming us. A walking tour though the capital of Europe’s southernmost bay shows multicultural richness through 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 offer of fish restaurant at one of 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: Budva or Boka Bay.

Standard package: Hotel Moskva 4* / Bracera 4* / Casa del Mare – Blanche 4* / Montebay Perla 4* or similar
Premium package: Hotel Avala 5* / Budva 4* / Casa del Mare – Mediterraneo 5* / Lazure Marina & Hotel 5* or similar

Breakfast. Leisure Day. Create your own plan for the day, enjoy the beautiful scenery of a coastal town, spend the day at the beach, or book one of the Optional experiences:

Optional 1: Speedboat tour – Blue cave with swimming break. This private tour with a high-class speedboat will reveal to you the most beautiful places located at the entrance to Boka Bay. Our professional skipper-guide will let you know everything about Mamula and Arza forts, Miriste lagoon, and the charming village of Rose. Besides swimming in the amazing Blue cave and snorkeling near Zanjic island, you will enjoy the sounds and smells of nature, as well as the taste of homemade wine made especially for you.

Optional 2: Feel & Taste Luštica tour. For this tour, we will also use a speedboat to get to the location of the day – Klinci Village Resort, a family-owned and operated estate, settled in Luštica Bay. It brings you an exquisite opportunity to feel the spirit and explore the rich heritage of the authentic household, taste the organic extra virgin olive oil of premium quality, try local food and simply enjoy the ambiance of one of Montenegro’s most famed olive growing areas.

Overnight: Boka Bay.

Standard package: Hotel Casa del Mare – Blanche 4* / Montebay Perla 4* or similar
Premium package: Hotel Casa del Mare – Mediterraneo 5* / Lazure Marina & Hotel 5* or similar

After breakfast, we say goodbye to Montenegro until the next time and head across the border to get to know Croatia.

Start a sightseeing tour of Dubrovnik, one of the most significant monuments in the world and one of Europe’s best-preserved walled cities, known since the 7th century. The old town is surrounded by a 2 km long wall that gives a great opportunity to see old Dubrovnik from above during a one-hour relaxing walk; the city’s churches, fortifications and monuments are a real must-see. Dubrovnik has enchanted a lot of famous people to devote their pieces of art to the city, thus in this city of marble and light-coloured stone, you will find numerous art galleries and unique shops. In the historical centre of Dubrovnik, you will visit the main street Stradun, the main square Placa, Pile Gate, the Rector’s Palace, Sponza Palace, the walls of the Old Town, the church of Saint Blaise, the cathedral, the Jesuit church, Orlando’s Column, Big Onofrio’s Fountain, the city port and other hidden gems. At the end of the tour, you will have time to sit and enjoy a coffee at one of the charming piazzas or explore Dubrovnik on your own.

Overnight: Dubrovnik.

Standard package: Hotel Lapad 4* / Grand Hotel Park 4* / Uvala 4* or similar
Premium package: Hotel Rixos Libertas 5* / Neptun 4* / Valamar Lacroma 4* or similar

After breakfast, drive along the beautiful Makarska coast – with wonderful views of Croatian islands, wine & olive plantations and stone-made villages towards Split.

Afternoon arrival for sightseeing in Split, the largest Dalmatian city, founded 1700 years ago, with a well-preserved, enormously rich history.

Your guide will lead you through the narrow streets of Diocletian’s Palace (a UNESCO Heritage Site), built in the 4th century for the Roman Emperor Diocletian, and show you the former Temple of Jupiter in the central square of the imperial complex. Today, the temple is now the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, regarded as the oldest Catholic cathedral that remains in use in its original structure. You will also pass through the Golden and Silver Gates and walk around lively markets and Riva, the city’s shopping zone.

Overnight: Split.

Standard package: Hotel Globo 4*/ President 4*/ Art 4* or similar
Premium package: HHotel Radisson Blu Resort & Spa 4* / Cornaro 4* / Jupiter Heritage 4* or similar

Breakfast. In the morning, relax in the charming Mediterranean atmosphere and use your free time to enjoy coffee or sweets in a restaurant by the sea.

The tour will then head towards Plitvice, with a short break in Šibenik, a medieval Venetian city famous for its narrow curvy streets, stone-made houses, stairs and remains of the city walls. It is home to many significant landmarks, among which the Cathedral of Saint James (on the UNESCO World Heritage List), constructed by locals for hundreds of years, has a special place. Šibenik is the perfect place for a short break. Spend your free time strolling through the charming streets and enjoying lunch in a square surrounded by Venetian architecture.

In the late afternoon, you will arrive at the world-famous destination – Plitvice Lakes National Park. In the refreshing atmosphere, you can relax and enjoy dinner either in the hotel restaurant or a local restaurant nearby.

Overnight: Plitvice Lakes.

Standard package: Hotel Grabovac 3* / Hotel Macola 3* or similar**
Premium package: Hotel Degenija 4* / Hotel 16 lakes 4* or similar**

Breakfast. Start exploring Plitvice Lakes National Park, a beautiful park that contains 16 interconnected cascading lakes. On old maps, it was called ‘Devil’s Garden’ and it is the first site in the Balkans to get UNESCO World Heritage status. You will enjoy a 3-hour guided tour that includes a visit to the upper and lower lakes. While swimming is forbidden, you will find the best places for relaxing and contemplating the untouched beauty of this lush paradise.

The final stop on this tour through Montenegro and Croatia is the Croatian capital, Zagreb.

This small gem of European culture and civilization is located in the heart of the continent. Sightseeing around Zagreb, touring the city’s main attractions: Kaptol (the medieval part of Zagreb), the Franciscan monastery and the 13th-century Church of Saint Francis. You will also get the chance to walk around Dolac, Zagreb’s best-known farmers’ market, and admire the baroque architecture of the 18th-century Church of Saint Mary. The tour will end in the heart of Zagreb, at Ban Josip Jelačić’s monument in the square named after him.

Overnight: Zagreb.

Standard package: Hotel DoubleTree by Hilton 4* / Hotel International 4* or similar
Premium package: Hotel Esplanade 5* / Hotel Sheraton 5* / Hotel Westin 5* or similar

Breakfast and hotel check-out. As most of our clients decide to extend their trip within their own organisation, transfer to the airport at the end of the tour is not included in the overall price. Any guests who would like Balkan&more to organise a departure transfer on their behalf are welcome to contact us. End of services.