Raft, Hike and Canyon in Montenegro
Explore Montenegro's crystal clear rivers, tackle Europe’s deepest, longest canyon and hike through its wildly beautiful mountains
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with local, English-speaking tour leader and qualified activity guidesHotel & Chalet
3 nights in cosy lakeside chalets and 1 night in a hotelMeals
All breakfasts, 3 lunches and 4 dinnersTransfers
To and from the airport and everything in betweenEquipment
All your rafting and canyoning equipmentSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 14 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
What's it like?
Splash, slide and jump your way along the Nevidio Canyon in the heart of one of Europe's least-visited wildernesses
Raft white water in the Tara River Canyon, the longest and deepest gorge in Europe and a UNESCO-protected biosphere
Hike the glacial Black Lake and ascend the peak of Prutaš for sweeping vistas of the wild Durmitor National Park
Key Information
Day 1
To the wilderness of Durmitor
Hiking
Touch down in Podgorica Airport and receive a warm greeting from your host, before embarking on a scenic 2.5hr drive to Žabljak, the gateway to Durmitor National Park. Arriving in Durmitor, immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the iconic Black Lake as you hike around it, following picturesque forest trails below the towering Mount Bear. Don’t let the name fool you: Black Lake is famous for its clear, turquoise waters and if you dare, you can brave a cold dip. As twilight descends, check in to your cosy lakeside chalets near Žabljak. Settle in, have a chat about the adventure ahead and join your group and host for a welcome dinner – then head to bed, ahead of the action tomorrow.
Day 2
Rafting down the 'Tear of Europe'
Rafting
Tuck into breakfast before heading to the banks of the mighty Tara River, under the shadow of iconic Tara Bridge. Prepare for a splash of excitement as you embark on a rafting adventure along the emerald currents of Europe's deepest ravine plunging 1,300 metres deep – second only to the Grand Canyon. (For those seeking heights as thrilling as the depths, an optional zipline experience can be booked after the rafting, offering a bird's-eye view of the canyon.) Back on land, tuck into a tasty Montenegrin lunch including local cheeses, fish, and fresh salads. This afternoon's drive back will go via the charming village of Njegovuđa, stopping en route by the tranquil Fish Lake and Devil’s Lake as well as the enigmatic stećci (fascinating medieval tombstones). End the epic day in the comfort of your lakeside lodging and enjoy a leisurely dinner with your new friends.
Day 3
Summit Prutaš (2393m) and hike among Durmitor's giants
Hiking
Rise early and brace yourself for the ascent to Prutaš (2393m) in the wild heart of Durmitor National Park. The climb starts from the Šarban pass, where each turn reveals a new layer of mountain grandeur. The trail soon meanders through lush meadows and above the serene Skrčka lakes, with the towering peak of Bobotov Kuk watching over you from afar. Upon reaching the summit, you'll be greeted by one of the best viewpoints in the whole of Montenegro. Make your way back down the mountain to the comfort of Žabljak, celebrating a fantastic hike with your group and guide over dinner, then get some rest ahead of your thrilling canyoning adventure tomorrow.
Day 4
Nevidio canyoning adventure
Canyoning
Hiking
Driving
Begin your final day of adventure with a transfer to the idyllic village of Pošćenje, surrounded by natural beauty in the form of two glacial lakes and the beautiful cascades of the Skakavica waterfall. Next, venture to the enigmatic Nevidio Canyon, a hidden gem that remains one of Montenegro's best-kept secrets, boasting narrow gorges and vivid blue-green pools. Leap into a thrilling canyoning experience, navigating through a natural obstacle course of rocks and water, sliding and jumping through Nevidio’s narrow passages. Emerging from the canyon, hike back to your vehicle and enjoy a well-deserved lunch in a local restaurant before transferring back to Podgorica for your final night. Tonight you may choose to join your guide and group for a farewell dinner in the lively city centre, before delving into the city's vibrant nightlife.
Day 5
Goodbye Montenegro!
Your adventure in Montenegro comes to an end after breakfast, when your host will drive you to Podgorica Airport in time for your inbound flight back home. Doviđenja!
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2 – Day 3
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 4
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 5
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
Start each day with a diverse continental breakfast, where cereals, bread, butter, jam, honey, cheese, eggs, bacon and a selection of teas and coffees will fuel you up for the activities. Come lunchtime, your guide will either arrange some picnics or you'll enjoy meals in local restaurants or by the activity centres. As the evening draws in, enjoy some tasty group dinners where the culinary traditions of Montenegro take the spotlight. Dishes will be hearty and served in large portions, including traditional soups, locally grown vegetables and regional dairy and meat dishes. Feel free to bring along any preferred snacks, especially if you have a sweet tooth, for that extra boost of energy during the activities. Please note that drinks consumed with included lunches and dinners are at your own expense.
Whilst your host can easily cater for vegetarians, please be aware that it may be more difficult to cater for special diets. The meals provided for those with vegan and gluten-free diets in rural Montenegro may lack variety. For this reason, we recommend supplementing your diet with food products and snacks from home. Please let us know prior to departure if you have any specific dietary requirements or allergies.
What is the accommodation like?
Žabljak
While in Durmitor National Park you'll spend three nights at a unique lakeside accommodation – Etno Selo Zminica. Nestled in the heart of the majestic northern Montenegro, the property offers a tranquil retreat just a stone's throw from Žabljak and the natural wonders of Durmitor National Park. You'll be accommodated in twin-share rooms, either in the main guesthouse or in separate chalets with lake or forest views. Occasionally (subject to availability), you may be accommodated in two-bedrooms chalets, sharing a bathroom between the two rooms.
Podgorica
Spend the final night of the trip at either Hotel Aurel or Hotel Lazaro, which are both modern 4-star hotels. You'll stay in bright, good-sized rooms on a twin-share basis.
Upgrades
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room in Podgorica can be booked for an extra charge – see Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking (this is subject to availability).
This trip has been rated as Moderate
No rafting or canyoning experience is needed, just a reasonable level of fitness and the ability to handle 3-4 hours of activity each day and up to 6 hrs of hiking. Please note, this tour requires participants to be able to swim confidently to ensure your safety during water-based segments of the tour. The tour is not suitable for individuals who have a fear of heights or claustrophobia, those with limited mobility, or individuals with heart or back problems. Additionally, the tour is not recommended for pregnant women or individuals with other serious medical conditions. Nevidio Canyon is 2.7km long and in some places squeezes down to just 1.5m wide. You'll be swimming through narrow sections, jumping into pools, wading and diving your way through – however, your guide will always be on hand to help you cross every obstacle. The water is chilly in the canyon, but wetsuits will be provided.
You'll raft a 15 km section of the Tara River, navigating through rapids of Grade 2 and 3. These rapids offer an exciting experience, providing enough thrill to satisfy the adventurous spirit while still being accessible and manageable for amateurs.
Montenegro’s coastline has a Mediterranean climate with hot dry summers and mild winters, whereas the more mountainous areas of Durmitor National Park have a sub-alpine climate with warm summers and cold winters with snowfall. In the mountains, rainfall tends to be more frequent than in the coastal aereas although the weather in summer between June and September is generally excellent - with hot days, clear skies and the occasional rain shower. Average temperatures from May to October are generally in the mid 20’s(in °C) but can reach into the 30’s(in °C) in July and August. Note that temperatures do drop in the evenings by several degrees. High up in the summits you may also encounter cooler conditions and stormy weather cannot be ruled out at any time of year. Although your host will do their very best to run the itinerart as scheduled, this will be always subject to safe weather conditions.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Podgorica Airport, Montenegro
12:00 on Day 1
Ends
Podgorica Airport, Montenegro
AM on Day 5
Transfers
You'll be picked up at Podgorica Airport at 12:00 on Day 1, so make sure you book a flight which arrives in plenty time for the meet up. If you are already in Podgorica prior to Day 1, pick up from the city can be arranged – just contact your host to request this.
Your trip ends in Podgorica and on Day 5 you'll be dropped off at Podgorica Airport on a group departure transfer in the morning in time for your flight. For those needing transportation to different locations (such as car rental pickup) or at other times/days, taxis between Podgorica city centre and the airport can easily be arranged locally at your own expense for a cost of approximately €10-12.
If you decide to extend your trip in Žabljak and therefore need to transfer to/from there independently, you can opt to travel by bus (fares from €12 per person) or by taxi (approximately €120 per journey).
Travel options
There are regular direct flights to Podgorica from London and Manchester (with Wizzair and Ryanair) as well as from the rest of Europe.
Alternatively, you may choose to fly in and out to Tivat on the coast of Montenegro (Tivat offers direct connections with other regional airports in the UK, as well as the rest of Europe). If you use this airport, you can ask your host to provide you with the details of a trusted transfer company who can deliver you to either Podgorica or Durmitor National Park to join the rest of your group. A Tivat to Durmitor transfer costs €150 and takes three hours; the shorter Tivat to Podgorica transfer costs €50-60 and takes two hours.
Another option is to fly to Dubrovnik in Croatia, and make your own way to Podgorica. However, please be aware that during the summer season, significant queues can form at the Croatia–Montenegro border.
Whichever route you choose, please inform your host of your arrival plans well in advance in order to ensure a smooth start to your adventure.
Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear
In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.
What's included?
- Your rafting adventure includes all necessary equipment: a safety helmet, vest, paddle, long or short neoprene suits, boots and waterproof jackets for comfort and protection
- Canyoning equipment provided includes wet suits, neoprene socks, helmets, safety harnesses, and specialized footwear to ensure safety and comfort during your adventure
What do I need to bring?
BAGS
- Main backpack or duffel bag
- 25-35 litre daypack
CLOTHES
- Hiking trousers
- Hiking boots with good ankle support (broken in)
- Rain/windproof jacket
- Breathable wicking layers
- A few pairs of hiking socks
- Sandals/trainers
- Sun hat
- Buff or light neck scarf, for sun protection
- Warm layers for evenings
- Shorts
- T-shirts
- Swimwear and towel
OTHER
- Universal travel plug adapter
- Power bank or solar charger
- Passports (and visas)
- Travel insurance documents
- Earplugs
- Suncream
- Sunglasses
- Small flashlight or head torch
- Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
- Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
- Toilet kit (toilet paper, biodegradable bags to carry paper out to dispose of)
- Quick-dry towel
- Alcohol hand-gel
- Reusable water bottle x1 litre
- Energy bars and snacks
- Walking poles (optional)
Additional Night in Podgorica Single Room
Payable Before Departure
Additional Night in Podgorica Single Room
… Per Night
Additional Night in Podgorica Twin/Double Room
Payable Before Departure
Additional Night in Podgorica Twin/Double Room
… Per Night
Additional Night in Zabljak Single Room
Payable Before Departure
Additional Night in Zabljak Single Room
… Per Night
Additional Night in Zabljak Twin/Double Room
Payable Before Departure
Additional Night in Zabljak Twin/Double Room
… Per Night
Optional Private Room Upgrade
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Room Upgrade
…
Momier and the guides were
Momier and the guides were extremely knowledgeable. Everyone on this trip was very personable and friendly, the daily adventures were well planned and you don’t have to worry about a thing because Momier had already taken care of everything for you. I just needed to show up and bring a big appetite.
Excellent trip and value
A well organised amazing experience.
Brilliant & Awesome.
From start to finish, the organisation and logistics were fantastic. Our guide was a great character, lots of fun which elevated the trip. The activities did not disappoint and a fantastic time was had by all.
Outdoors Adventure
Fun yet challenging at same time; be ready for intensive, elevated and at times difficult hiking with rocky heights! Also canyoning requires jumping from heights into narrow but deep pools of cold water, I would suggest training beforehand, as 4 of us wouldn't or couldn't go, as we were kind of aged out, and offered e-bike tour alternative, which was a nice to have this option. Canyoning was described by some as an extreme sport.
Amazing adventure with stunning scenery
Had an absolutely fantastic trip. Good selection of activities and great guides to take us through them. The food at the accommodation was basic and lacked variety and the whitewater rafting was pretty tame (though still a fun experience). Otherwise I would give this a full 5 stars.
Great experience
Overall a great experience, the Canyoning being the highlight of the trip - massively exhilarating and a physical challenge. The hike was also an enjoyable challenge. The rafting was unexpectedly easy however, with little paddling required. Apparently this was due to low water levels. Prior warning too about the tipping culture would have been nice (tipping the driver, the skipper for the rafting etc). The guides were accommodating with letting us go to towns to get extra supplies/withdraw cash. Make sure to pack/buy lots of water bottles as they don’t provide you with water during the activities.
Pure Brilliance!
Oh wow, this trip was absolutely fantastic! The Durmitor National Park is a gorgeous place to spend a few days, and the range of activities within the itinerary really ensure that you experience the best of it. Momir was a brilliant and attentive host, and everything was really well organised throughout, allowing us to focus on just enjoying it all. The lakeside accommodation was also especially pleasant, the perfect place to unwind after an active day (and even dip in the lake!). Food portions were generous and it was lovely to be able to try out delicious home-cooked Montenegrin cuisine. I genuinely loved every moment of this trip and would encourage anyone considering it to just do it!
An amazing experience in a beautiful landscape.
Exceptionally well organised from pickup, accommodation, transfers etc… the Guides Momir and Luka were excellent hosts -took great care throughout, excellent knowledge and confidence on the activities and fun to joke and banter with. The river for rafting was spectacular and great fun. The Hike was a good standard of challenge. The Canyoning activity was outstanding! With fabulous jumps, abseils and good quality equipment. The guides were fast setting up the ropes, moving the group and managing safety. We did Bosnia with MBA last year and this was equally as good - Thoroughly recommend.
A perfect trip for those who love nature and the outdoors!
I recently had the pleasure of experiencing a 5-day adventure holiday in Montenegro's Durmitor National Park. From start to finish Momir, our group leader, was fantastic. His genuine hospitality and adoration for Montenegro added a layer of charm to the experience that made the trip even more special.
The activities and adventures offered were truly awesome. From the gentle pack rafting excursion to the beautiful hike and highly invigorating canyoning experience, each experience was elevated by the beautiful surrounding landscapes - majestic mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and lush green forests.
The accommodation was fab, the food was delicious and the itinerary was perfectly ordered.
The Durmitor National Park is a beautiful, unspoiled wilderness, I throughly enjoyed my adventure and would absolutely recommend booking this trip!
Amazing adventure
Highly recommend this trip, company, location. Set in a stunning location, everything was well organized, we were really looked after by our host Luca. Canyoning was the highlight of the trip.
Awesome holiday
What an amazing holiday. Montenegro is a beautiful place to visit. The trip was well organised, are host luka was a top bloke. The trips were amazing, accommodation was spot on the food was great. Definitely recommend this trip to anyone who likes these adventure holidays Cheers guys
5 star fun!
This is the first time I’ve taken the time to write a review but it seemed a small way to say thank you for a fabulous trip. Everything surpassed my expectations - beautiful country, relaxed hotel in a stunning location, simple but delicious food (and lots of it), brilliantly organised activities and a great vibe in the group. Luca, our guide, was first class. I found the activities more of a stretch than the rest of the group and he was super kind and supportive. He did a great job of keeping us to plan whilst giving us flexibility with the arrangements as well. I highly recommend this trip.
Absolutely amazing!
This trip was really amazing. It was absolutely no stress with everything taken care of by our amazing guide Luka, who stayed with us for the duration of our trip, organising all meals, transport, accommodation and activities for us. He made sure to take some really good photos and videos as well so that we could focus on enjoying ourselves. Accommodation was a lovely remote lodge which was absolutely perfect for a nice break in the mountains, food portions were huge and there was a good amount of choice. Recommend the fish! Overall would highly recommend the trip to anyone looking for some adventure but who still wants a relaxing break.
Unforgettable experience
Montenegro was blessed with stunning landscape and natural beauty and the experience was unforgettable as the MBA team and guides made sure we experienced the best of what they had to offer. They went above and beyond to ensure we had a great experience and they integrated semlesses into our group, sharing jokes and stories. Very professional and paid especial attention to safety and group moral. Momo and Lucas, a huge thanks.
Marvels of Montenegro
We had an amazing trip that was professionally executed from start to finish by Momir our local host/guide.
Our activities included rafting, hiking and canyoning which were some of the best experiences we've had with spectacular views and terrain within the Durmitor national park.
The base for our trip was at Zminica eco lodge located north of Zabljak, was set in tranquil settings on the edge of a lake within the forest was fantastic.
Overall an unforgettable adventure which couldn't have been 'much better' ☺️.
We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 117kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
- A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
Marta Marinelli, raised in Italy’s serene Prosecco Hills, dreamt of global adventures, inspired by her father's travel stories. Her passion evolved into a career, backed by a decade of studies including degrees in international tourism and destination management. She’s worked in the adventure travel sector since 2012, living in Italy, the UK, and now sunny Portugal.
Over twenty years, Marta has explored over 55 countries, visiting remote areas like Ghana, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Haiti and Nepal’s Upper Mustang region. As a Senior Adventure Expansion Manager at Much Better Adventures, she focuses on creating life-changing experiences, ranging from multi-activity adventures, challenging treks to ultimate adventures in iconic places. She loves the challenge of finding the best local adventure hosts around the world, collaborating on adventures that offer genuine immersion, pushing beyond the beaten path and working on exclusive itineraries that challenge your comfort zone.
What makes her tick? Enabling people to live adventure-rich lives while positively impacting and empowering local communities around the world, generating sustainable opportunities for both the host, guides, community, and the environment.
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice, however your host suggests the below as a guideline:
Waiters: 10-15% of the bill Drivers: €2-€5 per person per day Skippers: €20-€25 per group per day Guides: €10-€15 per person per day Assistant Guides: €5-€10 per person per day
Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality – a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Any excess luggage can be safely left in your mountain chalet accommodation while out on the activities. You'll only need to take and a 25-35 litre day backpack to carry what you need for the day which may include a rain jacket, fleece, t-shirts, camera, sun-cream, water and picnic lunch. On hot days you will carry fewer clothes but more drinking water.
Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing.
Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness.
We fully endorse Campbell Irvine as their insurance offers all of the above, so get in touch with them or call on 020 7938 1734 to get your insurance sorted. We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book your adventure, just to cover you for any last-minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
- 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
- 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
- 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
Interested in a more exclusive experience? Opt for a 'Private Group' through the dates and prices tab to book this adventure for just you and your chosen companions.
Our team of Adventure Hunters create exclusive adventures with highly vetted, specialist hosts. We only work with independent, local in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with.
Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).
For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.
Got questions? We've got answers
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DEPARTURE DATES
Wednesday • 14th August 2024
to Sunday • 18th August 2024
Hurry, only 3 spaces left
Wednesday • 21st August 2024
to Sunday • 25th August 2024
Fully Booked
Wednesday • 28th August 2024
to Sunday • 1st September 2024
Last minute - save 5%
