The old town of KOTOR is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in this part of the Mediterranean. It was succeeded in preserving its original form, so typical of towns between the XII and the XIV century. The asymmetric structure of the narrow streets and squares, combined with the numerous valuable monuments of medieval architecture, contributed to Kotor being placed on UNESCO’s “The world natural and cultural inheritance” list. The cultural inheritance of this town is enriched by the unique architectural styles and the ambient atmosphere. The fortification system of Kotor, which protects it from the sea, is actually a wall 4.5 km long, 20 m high and 15 m wide, and is preserved as one of the world’s historic values.

The town is rich in Venice-like architecture which includes sixteen Baroque palaces, seventeen Catholic churches, several important Orthodox structures and a series of nine defensive towers, all set in stone and seemingly untouched by the scourge of modern-day tourism.
Preceded by two jewel-like islands, Perast is focused on the sea. From the interaction between mainland and bay, the inherent contrast of stone and water, the dialogue of island and wave, sometimes in harmony but often in conflict, this sea-faring town has derived its unity, strength and sense of purpose. Despite its size, a sophisticated urban structure has arisen, demonstrated by the proportion, scale, massing and rhythm of the great number of public buildings, especially along the waterfront.

Abbey of St. George - Established by the Benedictines, the abbey was first mentioned in 1166 in documents describing the consecration of the new, second Romanesque church of St. Tryphon in Kotor.  However, in studying various ornamentation on this structure, it can be concluded that the abbey was already in use by the Benedictines as early as the 9th century. Except for certain details, the appearance of the old church has not been preserved. The island was constantly under attack both by invaders and earthquakes, especially the great earthquake of 1667 when the ceiling and apse collapsed during the Easter service. Following this catastrophe, a simple church was built. The island remained a burial place until 1866, when a new graveyard was built in the northern part of the town.

Kayaking in Kotor Fjord

Kayaking in Kotor Fjord

Kayaking in Kotor Fjord

Gospa od Skrpjela (Our Lady of the Rock) lies about 150 m  northeast of the island of St. George. The stone plateau in the middle of the sea with a church on it is the result of the enduring efforts of generations of mariners “… to leave there, in the very heart of the Bay of Boka Kotorska, a testimony of their Christian faith and culture…”
The island was built artificially by scuttling old ships and depositing stones around a small crag. The name of the island derived from the word skrpjel – an old word for a crag. The construction of a sanctuary began in the first century of the Venetian rule. The sanctuary was dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin because this cult ( was greatly venerated by the Venetians.
The original church was built in the mid-15th century and was of modest proportions. Over the centuries, the “island” was constantly enlarged and reinforced by both deposits of stones and scuttled sailing ships until it provided a sufficient base for a bolder architectural undertaking. Most of the present-day church was erected after the great earthquake of 1667 when the original sanctuary was destroyed. It is a single-nave, modestly proportioned church in the Byzantine style. An octagonal 11m domed presbytery and a bell tower were added around 1725. These gave the Our Lady of the Rock the distinctive baroque appearance that can be seen today. The interior of the church was decorated by Tripo Kokolja, a famous 17th-century painter from Perast. On the altar is the famous icon of Our Lady of the Rock, a 15th century work by Lovro Marinov Dobricevic. It is the most valuable work of art in the church because its history is so closely related to that of the island.

Herceg Novi is the town recognized by the Mimosa trees and numerous steps. The heart of Herceg Novi is the old town, with structures that were built in the various epochs in history. The clock tower (1667), Kanli-kula (1483), Spanjola Fortress (1538) and the Forte Mare Fortress (1687), represent just one part of the cultural heritage of this town. Rich in greenery, Herceg Novi hides numerous types of tropical flowers. At the end of January the whole town is surrounded by the gentle fragrance of yellow and green Mimosa, so there is a feast called the Mimosa Festival, dedicated to this flower. During the summer months, there are other festivals in this town, which add to the charm of this magical town.

ACCOMMODATION

We will be settled in two-star family run hotel in town of Prcanj.  Prcanj is attached to Kotor town and Hotel is only 2km away from old town of Kotor. It is located next to the sea and closest beach is only 30m away.
All rooms are with private facilities. The hotel have restaurants with great choices of local specialties. If you have some dietary restrictions we will be happy to adapt our menu to you. All breakfasts and dinners included in tour package will be served in the hotels restaurants.

Please read and respect ACE Responsible Tourism Policy.

TOUR PRICE

Tour cost is  690 Euros and includes:

- seven lodgings
- seven breakfasts and two dinners in two star hotels
- four picnic lunches
- guiding service
- full van support
- use of ACE  walking poles
- use of ACE Kayaks
- snacks and refreshing drinks during the hiking tour
-  entry fee for Lovcen National Park, Kotor town Ramparts
- entry fee for Gospa od Skrpjela church-museum
- prosciutto tasting in Njegusi village
- photos from this tour burned on CD (we mail them after the tour).

The price is based on double room occupancy.
Single room supplement 105 Euros. High season supplement (from 1st of July to 31st of  August)- 70 Euros.

Tour price for self-guided option is 560 Euros per person based on double room occupancy. The surcharges for high season and single room accommodation apply as noted above. We provide the maps, detailed route instructions and logistical back-up, leaving you to walk the hiking trails in freedom

Longer or shorter options are available

Tour Schedule

DAY 1 Arrival Hotel check in and meeting tour leader. DAY 2 Kotor town and Kotor Ramparts Breakfast. Kayaking from Prcanj to Kotor town. Walking on the ramparts of Kotor (two and a half hours long tour). Free time to explore Kotor town. Lunch in Kotor. Kayaking to Dobrota village. Visit Dobrota and Dobrota's beach. Kayaking back to Prcanj.  Total kayaking distance 8km. DAY 3 Perast, islands of Lady of the Rock and Saint George. Breakfast. Kayaking from Prcanj to Tomici village and Bajova Kula beach. Short break for swimming on Bajova Kula. Kayaking to small town of Perast. Perast is probably one of the most beautiful small towns on Montenegrin coast. It is quiet baroque place where many buildings date from 17th and 18th century. Perast is the homeland of many world-known sailors and a town whose destiny has always been related to the sea. There are a lot of remains of the old aristocratic palaces that now bear witness to its ancient splendor and richness. In one of them, the Bujevic’s palace, the Town Museum is located. There is a very interesting story saying that the Russian soldiers used to come in Perast to learn sailing skills and that it was known as a cradle of the Russian fleet. Visit Perast. Picnic lunch. Kayaking to islands of Sv Djordje (Saint George- 12th century church) and Gospa od Skrpjela (Lady of the Rock- 17th century church). Kayaking to Stoliv and back to Prcanj. Total kayaking distance 24km.

Detail from Kotor

Vrmac Hike

DAY 4 Vrmac Hiking Breakfast. Short transfer to Kotor town to reach walking starting point. It is very nice walk which starts with zig-zag trail which will bring us on top of Vrmac hill. Hiking trail goes through Mediterranean forest and walking is pleasant even during very sunny and hot days. Passing by village Gornji Bogdasici and coming out on the ridge where both northern and southern sides offer great views on Kotor fjord. Picnic lunch. Descending to Markov Rt- one of the longest sandy beach in the fjord. Bathing on Markov Rt. Walking back to Prcanj along the sea on small local road. Total tour lasts 6-7 hours.

DAY 5 Herceg Novi town Breakfast. Transfer by bus to Lepetani. Start kayaking tour from Lepetani. Following shore we will pass villages of Bijela, Baosici, Kumbor and Meljine to reach Herceg Novi town. Making short stops for swimming and visiting villages, picnic lunch. Free time in Herceg Novi for exploring town. Herceg Novi is recognisable by the abundance of mimosa trees and its numerous flights of stairs. The centre of Herceg Novi is Stari Grad, decorated by buildings dating back to the epochs of Sahat – Kula 1667 (clock tower) and Kanli – Kula 1483, Fortress Spanjola 1538 and Fortress Forte Mare 1687. Transfer back to Prcanj. Total kayaking distance 16km. DAY 6 Njegusi, Lovcen  Breakfast . 25km long transfer to Njegusi village which lays on the slopes of Mt Lovcen. Visit village famous for production of Njegus smoked prosciutto and prosciutoo and cheese tasting at local producer. Transfer to Lovcen. Walking to King Petar I Petrovic Njegos mausoleum. Walk to the mausoleum on 1.675 meters above sea level. Visit mausoleum. Transfer back to Prcanj. Hiking tours lasts approx 2 hours.

Bay of Botor

DAY 7  Mamula Island and Modra Spilja (the Blue Cave)
Breakfast. Transfer to Rose village. Kayaking to island of Mamula. Mamula island is famous for its fortification which was built in 19th century by Austrian general Lazar Mamula. During the both World Wars, there was a prison on the island and nowadays there is a commemorative inscription reminiscent of that period. Mamula continues to be an abandoned island but it is popular place for beach which is accessible only by boat or kayak. Picnic Lunch. Kayaking to Modra Spilja (the Blue Cave). It is one of the most attractive in the series of caves located on the Lustica Peninsula.It has two openings at 45 degrees angles; the height from the sea level to the top of the ceiling is 9 m, and the depth is 3-4 m. Its name comes from the unusual blue colour during the sunny days, due to sun rays reflecting off of the surface of the sea. Visiting and swim in the cave. Kayaking to Zanjice. Transfer back to Prcanj. Total kayaking distance 18km.

Day 8 Breakfast. Check out and departure after breakfast.
 

ACE keeps rights to change daily itineraries.