-Trek in spectacular Durmitor National Park
-Visit the towering ramparts of medieval Kotor
-Travel to one of Europe's least known destinations

Durmitor National Park
Upon arrival in Podgorica, we travel to the Durmitor National Park, in the mountainous northwest of Montenegro, a World heritage Site. Basing ourselves at Zabljak we spend four days in the national park, where we will be walking amongst many glacial lakes as well as being in the midst of peaks rising to 2,522m. Botanists will love the rich variety of plant life in the wooded valleys and swathes of colourful wildflowers in the higher Alpine meadows, while bird-watchers and naturalists can also expect many sightings.

The Tara Canyon
One of our hikes takes us to a wonderful viewpoint on the rim of the 1,300 metre deep Tara Canyon - the deepest and longest canyon in Europe. The following day we have the chance to venture into the canyon and go whitewater rafting, a great experience in itself but also an opportunity to see the unspoilt canyon floor, with its abundant plant and animal life, including otters.

Medieval Kotor
Driving south we stop at the 17th century Ostrog Monastery, dramatically built into a sheer cliff face, before continuing to our base at Prcanj, near Kotor. Set at the head of the Boka Kotorska, a magnificent 28 kilometre long "fjord", Kotor is a wonderful town to explore on foot. We walk along the impressive city walls and wander around the labyrinthine streets of the old city, with its bustling harbour and fish market. Finally we hike into the heart of Lovcen National Park which includes the mausoleum of the poet-prince Njegos, the spiritual father of Montenegro.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Join Podgorica Airport; transfer to Zabljak. 2 to 4 Three days walking in Durmitor National Park. 5 Free day with options either to raft the Tara River or do a summit hike. 6 Drive via Ostrog Monastery to Prcanj, close to Kotor. 7 Half day walking tour of medieval Kotor, including the ramparts; afternoon free with optional boat trip on the Bay of Kotor. 8 Hike on Mount Lovcen to the Njegos Mausoleum; visit historical Cetinje and return to Prcanj. 9 Early morning transfer to Podgorica; tour ends.

Accommodation: 8nts hotel staying at standard hotels throughout; 8 breakfasts, 3 picnic lunches & 2 dinners included.
Transport: Chartered Bus/On Foot.
Comment: A twin centred tour taking in the best of Montenegro's mountains and coastal areas. The walks are graded moderate, and as they are circular routes participation is flexible.
Group: Approx. 12 to 16.
Staff: Explore Leader plus local guides and driver(s).
Trip Reference: FO