Montenegro—Adriatic Treasure

Itinerary at a glance

We meet in the modern capital of Podgorica. After a brief walk, we visit Moraca Monastery with its 13th Century frescoes. En route to the mountain village of Kolasin (2 nights) we’ll stop to wander in a private botanical garden. We’ll drive through the awesome Tara River Canyon—Europe’s deepest—and walk the shores of glacial Black Lake. At the end of a mountaintop path, a family of shepherds welcomes us to lunch at their huts.

Then we descend to Budva (2 nights) on the lush Adriatic coast. We’ll explore a trail through a valley of ancient mills. By private launch, we’ll glide over the teeming waters of Lake Skadar and take in perfect views of legendary Sveti Stefan. And you’ll meet our friend Boris and learn how he preserves the classic art of mosaics.

Under a jumble of red-tile roofs, lovely Kotor (2 nights) sits on a fjord-like arm of the Adriatic. From our hotel, we wander (and shop) its narrow medieval streets and cruise out to a tiny island. A walk through olive groves with views of the sea leads us to Ilija’s farmhouse for an olive oil tasting. Our farewell dinner is at one of the country’s best restaurants.