Wilderness Travel 2018 Catalog of Adventures

Montenegro & the Adriatic Coast MOUNTAIN HIKES AND MAGNIFICENT KOTOR BAY

With a rugged coastline, soaring limestone peaks, and red-roofed Venetian towns nestled along the blue Adriatic, Montenegro is one of Europe’s hidden gems—and perfect for a WT hiking journey. We’ll hike our way from the breathtaking alpine world of Durmitor National Park and Biogradska Gora National Park to the gorgeous coast at Kotor Bay, Europe’s southernmost fjord. Along the way, we discover Montenegro’s diverse cultural influences, sample a

cuisine that reflects the region’s blend of east and west, and sip Vranac, the deep red wine made from the ancient native grape. A grand finale finds us in medieval Kotor, one of the most spectacular towns on the entire Adriatic Coast. Days 1-3 Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina / Durmitor, Montenegro / Tara River In fascinating Sarajevo, a cultural melting pot since the Silk Road era, we stroll the lanes of the 16th century Ottoman quarter.

“Exceeded our expectations! Hiking in the mountains and then along the coast was tremendous. Jaw-dropping scenery, so much local interaction, and great meals.”

Lois B., Concord CA

Crossing the mountainous border to enter Montenegro, we head for the trails of dramatic Durmitor National Park, home to saw-toothed limestone peaks and glistening lakes. The wild Tara River Canyon, with its 4,000-foot-high walls, invites us for a fun morning of rafting (optional—you can hike instead). Days 4-6 Biogradska Gora National Park Biogradska Gora protects one of the last stands of old-growth woodlands in all Europe. One of our hikes brings us through the park’s flower-filled meadows to the twin peaks of Komovi (8,100'), with clear-day views stretching to Albania. Days 7-8 Mrtvica Canyon / Lake Skadar Moraca Monastery, with its superb Byzantine frescoes, offers us a peek into Montenegro’s medieval history, and we hike to the rocky hideaway of Mrtvica Canyon amid soaring white cliffs and along the serene shores of Lake Skadar National Park. One evening, we boat to a restaurant on a secluded beach to taste the fresh catch of the day. Days 9-11 Cetinje / Kotor / Dubrovnik, Croatia We visit the romantic mountain town of Cetinje, the former royal capital, and make our way to the Adriatic shores to hike a trail high above medieval Kotor, with its beautifully preserved Old Town. Depart on Day 11 via Dubrovnik. ON OUR WEBSITE HIKER’S JOURNEY TO THE CAUCASUS Lodge to lodge hikes through Georgia’s spectacular mountains, ancient villages, and famed wine regions. Jun 18-28, Jul 9-19, 2018. From $4295.

UWE NIEHUUS

JUSTIN FOULKES

From the mountains to the sea, we’ll hike and explore one of the most beautiful countries on the Adriatic. PHOTO: VLADIMIR POPOVIC

DETAILS • 11-day trip begins in Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and ends in Dubrovnik, Croatia • 10 nights hotels and inns • All meals included except 2 dinners

DATES May 29-Jun 8, 2018 Jul 9-19 Aug 24-Sep 3 Sep 17-27

HIGHLIGHTS • Enjoy storied Sarajevo, with visits to Sebilj Square and the ancient Latin Bridge on the Miljacka River • Hike amid the wild limestone mountains of Durmitor National Park, a World Heritage Site • Explore the ancient woodlands of Biogradska Gora National Park and the stunning Tara River Canyon, Europe’s deepest gorge • Discover Kotor, one of the most beautiful medieval towns in the world, set on a gorgeous bay

TRIP COST $4495 (10-15 members) $4895 (2-9 members) Single supplement: $780

TRIP LEVEL 1 2 3 + 4 5 6 7 A mix of moderate walks and hikes, some steep trails, 2-5 hours a day, optional rafting, van support

FOR MORE DETAILS ON OUR EUROPEAN TRIPS, VISIT WWW.WILDERNESSTRAVEL.COM/TRIPS/EUROPE 80