National Park Skadar Lake and Rijeka Crnojevića Private Tour

Skadar lake

General information

Destination	Duration	Category
Virpazar, Montenegro	5 hours	Private Excursion

Program details

Virpazar – Skadar Lake – Pavlova’s Side – Rijeka Crnojevića

Virpazar is a small fishing village, located on the road between Podgorica and the Montenegrin coast, at the confluence of the river Crmnica and Orahovica in the lake. In the past, it was a strategically important trading city but today this place serves as the main gate in the Skadar Lake National Park. It is also recognizable by local wines, which you can taste in family vineyards and cellars in the center and the surrounding area.
Skadar Lake is the largest lake in Montenegro and on the Balkan Peninsula, with an area of 369.7 km² (of which Montenegro has 221.8 and Albania 147.9 km²). The Montenegrin part of the lake with the coast was declared National Park in 1983.The lake has many islands and peninsula with traces of history and valuable cultural heritage: Žabljak (15th century) – the capital of the Crnojević dynasty, Lesendro – fortress on the rock at the lake, the borderline of the Montenegrin army in the era of Njegoš, the fortress Grmožur – the Montenegrin Alcatraz, in the period when Nikola Petrović ruled. The lake has 18 important historical monuments that witness to Montenegrin history from the 11th century to the present. The lake is known for its diversity of flora and fauna. Skadar Lake is a bird’s paradise, it has 264 bird species, and about 90% of them are migratory and of international importance. This is the only pelican habitat in southern Europe. The lake is an ideal location for observing birds because it is the largest bird reserve in Europe.
On the shore of Skadar Lake, as a small place on the same river, there is – Rijeka Crnojevića, known as the Montenegrin Venice. In its vicinity, there are remains of the Obod printing office, where the first Cyrillic book was printed in this part of Europe – in 1494. A construction that attracts tourists in a special way is the bridge which was raised by Prince Danilo in 1853. A particularly appreciated product of this region was dried fish which Italians especially liked due to its uniqueness and perfect taste.
Itinerary:

• Departure by appointment. Drive to the Virpazar. Duration of the journey from 30 min to 2 hours (depending on the place – the city of departure).
• Arrival at Virpazar. A short walk around the town. Free time for climbing on the Besac fortress – the most attractive viewpoint on the Skadar Lake, or drinking coffee in one of the restaurants – approx. 20 min.


• Start of cruising. The cruise lasts about 1 hour and a half. We will see the fishing villages, cultural and historical monuments, the flora and fauna of the lake, and take a swim in the lake.
• Drive towards Rijeka Crnojevića by old road around the lake, during which you will enjoy the view of the old villages – approx. 45 min.
• Drive to Pavlovas side, one of the most attractive viewpoints in Montenegro, the most famous “picture card” of Montenegro. Photo break – approx. 20 min.
• Arrival at Rijeka Crnojevića. A short lunch break at a local restaurant – optional – approx. 45 min.
• Return. The end of the tour.


Price includes:

• Driving by car, minivan, van, minibus or tourist class bus
• All travel costs and parking fees
• Travel insurance
• Licensed travel guide (English language)
• Boat riding on Skadar Lake (approx. 1 hour and a half)
• Ticket for National Park Skadar Lake

Price does not include:

• Food and drink during the tour
• Fortress Besac fee
• Other non-program costs
• Travel health insurance - optional


Additional options (for extra charge):
• Tasting of domestic productson the boat during cruising (delicious donuts, wine, brandy and juice)
• Lunch at the restaurant at Rijeka Crnojevića
• A licensed travel guide in another language
• Travel health insurance


TRIP FACTS

• Type of tour: Private tour
• Group size: Unlimited
• Duration: approx. 5 hours + time for transfer depending on the city of your accommodation
• Difficulty: Easy
• Pick up from: Podgorica, Cetinje, Budva, Kotor, Tivat, Bar, and Ulcinj. For pick up from other cities, price is on request.
• Availability: March – December – each year, depending on the weather conditions (also in the winter if weather conditions allow)
• The Organizer reserves the right to cancel the trip due to bad weather conditions.
• Note: Price inclusive of taxes
• Info: Possibility of changing tour according to your wishes and budget