Podgorica Historic, Safari and Winery tour – Skadar lake and River Crnojevica

Explore Montenegro’s Countryside with a Private Tour from Podgorica

This Podgorica Historic, Safari, and Winery tour offers a comprehensive journey through Montenegro’s scenic countryside in a private group. For $113.49 per person, travelers enjoy hotel pickup, a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, and a mix of cultural, natural, and culinary experiences over approximately 6 to 7 hours. The tour’s highlights include visits to Zabljak Crnojevia, Virpazar, Skadar Lake, and a visit to Mrkan Winery for tastings. With many stops, including wild horses viewing and historic fisherman villages, this tour appeals to those looking for a balanced mix of nature, history, and local flavors.

The organized itinerary makes navigating Montenegro’s diverse attractions straightforward, and the guide-led exploration adds insightful commentary. Travelers can expect easy logistics with pickup from their accommodation and an efficient pace that balances sightseeing with downtime for tasting and photos. While the tour receives an impressive 94% recommendation rate, some reviews warn about the importance of confirming arrangements, as experiences may vary depending on the driver and guide.

Key Points

• Private, guided experience with hotel pickup and comfortable transport
• Visit historic sites like Zabljak Crnojevia and Virpazar with free admission
• Enjoy wine tasting at Mrkan Winery with local cheese, pie, and spirits included
• Stop at scenic viewpoints like Pavlova Strana for stunning photos
• Multiple stops for exploring wildlife, heritage villages, and natural beauty
• Flexible cancellation policy allows full refunds if canceled 24 hours in advance

Visiting Zabljak Crnojevia: The First Montenegrin Settlement

The tour begins at Zabljak Crnojevia, the site of Montenegro’s earliest Montenegrin ruling family, the Crnojevici, dating back to the 15th century. This historic town is free to visit and provides a glimpse into Montenegro’s medieval past. The 30-minute stop allows for photos and a quick walk through the old streets, setting a tone of historical significance for the day.

Spotting Wild Horses in Bievina

Next, the tour takes you to Bievina, where you can see wild horses roaming freely. This 30-minute visit offers a natural spectacle and is a highlight for wildlife lovers. There are no admission fees here, so the focus remains on observing these free-roaming horses in a peaceful, scenic environment.

Relaxing at Besac Heritage Retreat and Virpazar

A fisherman’s village, Virpazar, serves as a charming spot for a coffee break inside a fortress restaurant. The 30-minute stop offers a chance to enjoy local coffee in a setting rich with heritage ambiance. Nearby, Macalov Brijeg provides a refreshing stop for domestic juice, giving a taste of Montenegrin local drinks during another 30-minute break.

Exploring Rijeka Crnojevica

The tour then visits Rijeka Crnojevica, the first Montenegrin settlement and a fishermen’s village. The short visit of 30 minutes allows for exploring the historic fishing community and taking photos of the serene river scenery. This stop emphasizes Montenegro’s connection to waterways and local livelihoods.

Capturing the View at Pavlova Strana

A quick 10-minute stop at Pavlova Strana Viewpoint offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Travelers can capture panoramic photos of the lake, river, and lush countryside, making this a perfect spot for a memorable shot.

Wine Tasting at Mrkan Winery: Local Flavors

One of the tour’s culinary highlights is the visit to Mrkan Winery, where red and white wines, liquors, and spirits are sampled over 45 minutes. The tasting includes homemade cheese, pie, ham, and vegetables. The winery’s selection and the informative tasting experience are highly appreciated, offering a genuine taste of Montenegro’s wine craftsmanship.

Visiting Karuc: Heritage and Relaxation

The last stop before returning involves Karuc, a fisherman’s village with an old house of St. Petar Cetinjski. The 30-minute visit includes a coffee break and time to soak in the historic atmosphere of this peaceful village. It culminates the experience with a mix of heritage and relaxation.

The Logistics and Pacing of the Tour

The tour starts promptly at 9:00 am, with hotel pickup arranged for convenience. The group size is private, ensuring a personalized experience, and most travelers can participate. The pacing strikes a balance between sightseeing, taste testing, and photo opportunities. The transportation is labeled as comfortable and air-conditioned, making the long driving segments manageable.

What Sets This Tour Apart: Heritage, Nature, and Wine

This tour shines through its diverse stops that combine nature, history, and culinary experiences. The visit to Zabljak Crnojevia provides insights into Montenegro’s early history, while wild horses in Bievina offer a wildlife encounter. The scenic viewpoints and river villages showcase the country’s natural beauty, and the wine tasting at Mrkan Winery offers a local flavor that enhances the journey.

The flexibility of the itinerary and guided commentary make this experience engaging, especially for those interested in Montenegro’s heritage and landscape. The customer reviews support its value and quality, with many rating it highly for the scenic views and wine tasting.

Considerations and Limitations

While most reviews are positive, one mentions the importance of confirming arrangements to avoid issues like no-shows or disorganized guides. The 6 to 7-hour duration means travelers should be prepared for a full day of exploration. The stops are generally short, focusing on key highlights and photo ops, which might not suit visitors looking for extensive walking or in-depth exploration at each site.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most

This private tour suits those who appreciate a well-rounded experience of Montenegro’s countryside, historic sites, and wine culture. It is ideal for first-time visitors wanting an overview or those eager to see a variety of attractions in a single day. Travelers with an interest in nature, history, and food will find this tour particularly rewarding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, but those with mobility issues should note the short walking stops.

What is included in the price?
The tour price covers transport, guide services, wine tasting, and the specified stops. Meals or additional drinks are not included.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, there is a free cancellation policy available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing and shoes for walking are recommended, especially for outdoor stops and photo opportunities.

How long is the total driving time?
The entire experience lasts about 6 to 7 hours, with most of that time spent traveling between stops.

Is food included?
Food is not included, but at the Besac Heritage Retreat and Karuc, you can enjoy local coffee and snacks during the breaks.

What makes this tour a good value?
The combination of historic sites, scenic views, wildlife sightings, and wine tasting at a reasonable price makes this tour a well-rounded choice.

Are drinks and snacks available during the stops?
Yes, you will have opportunities to taste local juices and wines, and enjoy homemade cheese and snacks at the winery.

Is this tour accessible for non-Montenegrin speakers?
The tour is guided, and reviews indicate knowledgeable guides, but language details are not specified. It’s best to confirm if language support is needed.

Are there any physical demands?
Mostly short walks and stops; the tour is suitable for most people in good health, but check individual mobility needs if necessary.

This Podgorica Historic, Safari, and Winery tour offers a rich mix of Montenegro’s natural beauty, history, and flavors. Its well-organized itinerary, friendly guide, and diverse stops make it a compelling choice for travelers eager to experience Montenegro beyond the capital.