Adventure 16: Outdoor and Travel Outfitters - Since 1963

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Montenegro: Mountains and Sea

Multisport in Croatia with Adriatic Kayak Tours

Highlights

  • Sea kayaking to Gospa odskrpjela Our Lady of the Rock Island), a church island in the Bay of Kotor
  • Paddling to Perast and Kotor, both UNESCO World Heritage sites
  • The steep and twisting Tara River Canyon, Europe's longest and deepest gorge
  • A visit to Ostrog Monastery, a gleaming white 17th century cave monastery set high in a cliff wall
  • The drive from the Adriatic coast to the mountainous interior
  • Drinking unprocessed river water

Full Description

The largest fjord in southern Europe, Europe’s longest and deepest gorge, historic walled cities, Adriatic coastline, and pristine alpine wilderness areas… where? Montenegro, a country less than 4 years old, the size of W. Virginia, and with a population of less than 700,000.

This tour features two distinct regions. Begin with sea level kayaking in the Bay of Kotor. Massive mountain slopes rise abruptly from the sea. The coastline is dotted with historic villages, including two UNESCO World Heritage sites, the medieval walled city of Kotor and picturesque Perast. Your home base is a restored seaside villa in Lepetane at the bay’s mid-point. From here, paddle to every nook and cranny in the fiord. Explore WWII submarine tunnels in the bay’s cliffs, the postcard perfect small church islands near Perast, waterfalls that spill into the bay near Risan, gaze up at Kotor’s walls and paddle to sea side restaurants serving local wine and the day’s catch.

The transition from Adriatic coastal life to majestic mountains is an adventure in itself. Switchbacked roads and stone tunnels zip you to the mountains. Visit Ostrog Monastery, a gleaming white cave monastery set in a sheer cliff wall. Reach a riverside campground of charming log cabins, gateway to Durmitor National Park. Crisp mountain air and a hearty meal around an open campfire present a wonderful contrast with the Adriatic coast.

Includes:

  • 6 night's accommodation
  • All meals and transport
  • All equipment, guiding, and park fees

Excludes:

  • Airfare and drinks (beer, wine, & soft drinks)

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive Dubrovnik. You’ll be met at your arrival point, typically the Dubrovnik Airport or ferry terminal, by your AKT guide. Explore Dubrovnik’s Strai Grad (Old City). In the late afternoon, drive south to the Montenegro border crossing and part way around the Bay of Kotor, a 50 minute drive. A five minute ferry ride takes you to Lepetane, your base for 4 of the next 6 nights. Swim, relax, and dine on fresh seafood.

Day 2

Equipment issue and basic kayak instruction. Paddle to picturesque Perast, once the site of Adriatic maritime power. Kayak to the two church islands, Our Lady of the Rock Island, with a magnificent 15 century church, and St. Georges Island, with a Benedictine monastery set in a grove of cypress trees. Paddle to the walled city of Kotor to hike the city’s walls and wander the maze of stone streets. Return to your villa in Lepetane by kayak.

Day 3

Paddle to WWII submarine tunnels and onto Herceg Novi, strategically positioned to guard the opening of the Bay of Kotor. Explore Herceg Novi’s Old City and historic waterfront. Paddle back to Lepetane along the Luštica peninsula, stopping to swim off the bay’s most pristine beaches.

Day 4

Leave the Adriatic coast for the mountainous interior, a three hour drive north with dramatic views of the Bay of Kotor as you gain elevation. Stop en route to visit Ostrog Monastery, set in a cliff face 900 meters above the Zeta valley and the country’s most important place of pilgrimage. The final 40 km of the drive is extraordinarily beautiful. The road is carved in cliffs overlooking the Piva River and passes through 56 small stone tunnels with stunning vistas of the canyon walls reflected in the Piva’s deep green water. Overnight in river side bungalows.

Day 5

Breakfast and rafting gear issue at the campground. Raft the final 18 km stretch of the Tara River canyon to Šćepan Polje on the Montenegro-Bosnia border, with stops for lunch and swimming. Return to camp in the late afternoon for dinner around the campfire.

Day 6

Breakfast at camp, followed by the short drive to Durmitor Park to bicycle the park’s rim road with stunning views of snow capped peaks and river cut valleys. Enjoy a picnic lunch on top of the pass. Hike to Crno jezero (Black Lake). Return to the Adriatic coast for your final night in Lepetane.

Day 7

Transport to Dubrovnik, Croatia for your departure flight.

About The Operator:

Adriatic Kayak Tours

Headquarters:

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Established:

April 2005

AKT offers small group guided sea kayak and multi-sport tours in Croatia and Montenegro. Tours range from single-day to all-inclusive week-long tours. Highlights: paddle the crystal blue Adriatic Sea; explore the medieval walled cities of Dubrovnik, Croatia and Kotor, Montenegro; sleep in small villages on islands without roads and cars; raft the Tara river Canyon, Europe's deepest gorge; kayak the largest fiord in southern Europe; hike & bike the pristine alpine wilderness of Durmitor National Park.