Montenegro
4×4 Spring Tour

After picking up the Lada, you will soon leave the capital. Today’s drive to the snow-capped mountains of Prokletije will take about 3 hours and is mostly on asphalt road. You cut through the canyon of river Cijevna and a few miles through Albania, so have your passports ready. Once you are back on Montenegrin territory you reach the northern valleys of Prokletije; Grbaja and Ropojana. Both are worth a stop, albeit for a lunch or a visit to the waterfal and spring in Vusanje. By the end of the day you will experience your first bit of off-roading and now Lada will show its qualities. The last half hour to the lodge is on a scenic mountain road.

After breakfast you can consider a walk up and down to Hridsko lake, a true mountain jewel. The path winds up through ancient spruce forests, straight from a fairytale. If snow-conditions allow you can drive up to over 2000m and climb the summit of Tromedja, that marks the border triangle with Albania and Kosovo.

The ride continues to Bjelasica, a rather straightforward ride to the next lodge. if conditions allow, however, we have described a muddy alternative over the mountains for those who dare. It is mostly through forests and includes a river crossing. Only when you reach the highest parts you will have the views.

This long ride over the Stozer plateau connects the mountains of central Montenegro with the country’s outdoor hotspot; Durmitor national park. it is a very scenic ride through an area that is rarely visited by tourists. The Stozer plateau rises high above the Tara canyon, forming the east bank of the river. On the plateau gravel roads, suitable only for horses and Lada Niva’s, connect the ancient villages. When ascending to the highest parts of Stozer, dense forests gradually make way for flowering meadows. The highest point of this road is below 1300m and therefor usually accessible from may onwards. In case of late snow, the road through the bottom of Tara canyon is equally scenic, although less challenging. At the famous Tara bridge both options meet. Consider the zipline here, before driving up to your cosy lodge in Durmitor.

You will be accommodated in our favorite resort in Durmitor. 5 wooded lodges in pristine nature, at only 15 minutes driving from town. each lodge has a stove to keep you warm and a private bathroom. You can cook your own meals here, but there is also a seasonal restaurant on the resort.

In Durmitor you will spent 2 nights. We will provide your with hiking options but you can also consider booking an e-MTB trip (+ € 40,00 per person),  a full day rafting (+ € 130,00 per person) or a guided ferrata climb (+ € 65,00 per person).

In spring time, mountain conditions can vary from pleasant sunny days ( imagine blue skies and flowering meadows) to chilly (patches of snow on the routes, mud all over). Both have their charm. But as we descend towards the Adriatic, you are also entering a different climate. Mediterranean here we come! If conditions allow you can consider making an extra detour via the mountain lake of Kapetanovo. This would be an interesting stop for lunch. And before reaching sea level we provide you with another option; to hike to a fortress from the Austrian times, approached via a challenging road form the same era.

Two nights will be spent on a little camp site with a beach and a great fish restaurant within 1 minute waling distance. From you base here you will have a full day to explore the Venetian towns in the bay. If you can’t get enough of Lada Nica, consider driving the challenging circle over mount Orjen. In this 4×4 stage we provide you with optional summit hikes.

As we head south along the coast, you will pass many pleasant beaches. On a sunny day we recommend you to select the one that suits you most and simply enjoy. The camp where you will sleep tonight is located in a 1000-year-old olive grove near the citadel of Stari Bar. You will not sleep in your Lada but in a fully furnished Bell tent tonight. Beals are provided by the host. Below the camp is a great swimming spot in the river. If you consider an extra night here, canyoning can be provided. Medjurecki (+ € 90,00 per person) is among the best canning the Balkan has to offer. Rikavac (+ € 60,00 per person) is your choice in case of high waters or if you never practiced canyoning before.

Are you into more action? The drive the full circle over mount Rumija. This pleasant bit of off-roading gets you to the same camp but with a panoramic detour. From the highest point of the road, you can climb mount Rumija in 4 hours (return). The highest summit between Skadar lake and the Adriatic coast provides dramatic views over both waters.

No more off-roading from here on. But the ride to your final accommodation is yet very scenic. The ancient road along the shores of lake Skadar provide tremendous views over the lake while the mountains of Prokletije, where your journey started, complete the picture. Nice stops are possible en route, to ancient monasteries, local taverns and beaches. From Virpazar you can include a few hours of kayaking (+ € 30,00 per person) or a hike into the walnut valley (with swimming options). The last nights are spent on a lovely little campsite with direct acces to the water. Enjoy your lazy last day here or try horse riding (+ € 90,00 per person incl lunch). Venture out sampling the specific wines and cuisine of this area or take a boat ride to complete your Montenegro 4×4 Adventure.  Skadar lake is at its best in spring, when the lilies blossom and birdlife is abundant.