A Journey Through Montenegro’s Heart

The journey began in Žabljak, a town nestled in the heart of Montenegro’s Durmitor National Park. As I arrived, the air was crisp, and the mountains loomed like ancient sentinels, guarding secrets of the past. The hotel, though modest, was a sanctuary of comfort, strategically placed near local eateries and a supermarket. It was here that I met my fellow travelers and our guide, Danijela, whose knowledge of the land was as vast as the landscapes we were about to explore.

Our first day of hiking took us to the mystical Black Lake, a glacial marvel that seemed to hold the reflections of the sky and the surrounding forest in its depths. The path led us deeper into the woods, where the air was filled with the scent of pine and the sound of rustling leaves. We reached Snake Lake, where a picnic awaited us. The local produce and wine were a celebration of the land’s bounty, and as we toasted to a fellow traveler’s birthday, I felt a sense of camaraderie and connection.

The forest was alive with creatures—unleashed dogs that joined us on our walk, goats, sheep, and the fluttering of butterflies. Danijela’s keen eyes spotted a baby snake and vibrant blue beetles, while her knowledge of the flora allowed us to taste wild blueberries and pomegranates. The rain on the second day could not dampen our spirits, as Danijela adjusted our route to ensure we still experienced the beauty of Eye Lake, albeit through a veil of mist.

The Call of the Mountains

Our journey continued to the Hotel Bianca in Kolasin, a ski lodge that exuded warmth with its wooden interiors and inviting amenities. The swimming pool, sauna, and jacuzzi were a welcome respite after a day of exploration. From here, we ventured to the Mausoleum of Prince Bishop Petar II, a climb that tested our endurance but rewarded us with a breathtaking 360-degree view.

The descent led us to our minibus, which wound its way along serpentine roads, offering glimpses of Kotor and the Adriatic Coast. The town of Perast, our base for the next four nights, was a Venetian dream with its waterfront terraces and historic churches. The sea beckoned, and I found solace in its embrace, watching fish dart beneath the surface and boats glide across the harbor.

Kotor, with its labyrinthine streets and ancient walls, was a city that seemed to pulse with history. Climbing the 1,300 steps to St. John Fort was a pilgrimage of sorts, each step a testament to the passage of time. The town below, with its cathedral, market, and cafes, was a tapestry of life, woven with the threads of the past and present.

Reflections on the Adriatic

Our journey took us to Godinje, where a family vineyard offered a feast of homemade cheese, prosciutto, and wine. The hospitality was as rich as the flavors, and the descent to Lake Skadar was a gentle reminder of the land’s generosity. From the ‘Pelican’ boat, we observed kingfishers and yellow herons, their presence a testament to the lake’s vitality.

The final hike on the Vrmac peninsula was a fitting conclusion to our adventure. The views of Kotor and Porto Montenegro were a reminder of the journey’s breadth, a tapestry of mountains and sea, history and nature. As I stood there, the wind whispering through the trees, I felt a sense of peace and fulfillment.

Montenegro had revealed itself to me in layers, each day a new chapter in a story that was both ancient and alive. The Montenegro Tour had been more than a journey through landscapes; it was a journey through time, a reflection of the soul’s desire to explore and understand. As I prepared to leave, I knew that Montenegro had left an indelible mark on my heart, a reminder of the beauty that lies in both the world and within ourselves.