Step away from Montenegro’s busy coast and discover a side of the country where dramatic mountains, ancient traditions, local stories and centuries-old ways of life still shape the landscape. This fully private experience combines Kolašin, the spectacular slopes of Bjelasica, authentic mountain gastronomy and the remarkable medieval Morača Monastery.
Your journey begins with a comfortable private ride through Montenegro’s dramatic interior, following the route of the country’s historic railway. As the landscape changes from the coast towards the mountains, your local guide will introduce you to Montenegro’s history and cultural heritage, including fascinating stories about the construction of the railway through steep cliffs and challenging mountain terrain.
Arrive in Kolašin, once a small Ottoman frontier settlement and today one of Montenegro’s best-known mountain destinations. After a relaxed introduction to the town, continue towards Bjelasica and the Kolašin 1600 mountain resort, where magnificent views of the surrounding peaks and traditional shepherds’ huts await.
For those wishing to experience the mountains from above, an optional cable-car ride takes you to more than 2,000 metres above sea level. Depending on the season and weather, you may enjoy snow-covered landscapes or see sheep and even wild horses roaming freely across the mountain slopes.
There will be time for an optional traditional lunch in an authentic shepherd-style restaurant or a charming restaurant built around an old watermill. Taste local specialities such as kačamak, cicvara, homemade cheeses, traditional pies, lamb and veal, with ingredients sourced from local producers who continue traditional methods of farming and food production.
The journey then continues through the breathtaking Morača River Canyon, where dramatic limestone cliffs and deep valleys create one of Montenegro’s most impressive mountain landscapes.
Hidden within this scenery is Morača Monastery, one of Montenegro’s most important medieval spiritual and cultural monuments. Founded in 1252 by Stefan Vukanović of the Nemanjić dynasty, the monastery has stood here for almost eight centuries. Its Church of the Dormition preserves remarkable medieval frescoes and offers a fascinating glimpse into Montenegro’s religious and artistic heritage.
The monastery is surrounded by local traditions and legends. According to one tradition, its founder was guided by a mysterious light near the waterfall now known as Svetigora, interpreted as a divine sign to build the monastery here. Stories of the enormous effort required to transport its stone through the mountains add to the atmosphere of this secluded sanctuary.
After exploring the monastery, enjoy a comfortable return journey, carrying with you more than photographs — stories, flavours and a deeper understanding of the Montenegro that exists beyond its famous coastline.