Podgorica’s proximity to some of Montenegro’s most breathtaking national parks makes it an excellent base for exploring the country’s natural beauty. Unlike many capital cities, Podgorica is surrounded by diverse landscapes—from rugged mountains and deep canyons to serene lakes and ancient forests. We love how easy it is to combine adventure with cultural insights here. For example, taking a jeep tour in Biogradska Gora lets you see the wild side of Montenegro with off-road driving through pristine forests and mountain peaks. Or, if you prefer a more relaxed experience, the two-hour lake cruise at Skadar Lake offers a peaceful way to soak in the scenery and spot local birdlife.
Montenegro’s parks aren’t just pretty sights; they are packed with stories, wildlife, and outdoor activities. Whether you want a private full-day adventure to Durmitor National Park or a quick kayaking trip on Skadar Lake, the experiences cater to all interests and fitness levels. Below, we’ve compiled the 11 best national park tours in Podgorica, highlighting what makes each one special and helping you find the perfect fit for your trip.
1. Jeep tour in National park Biogradska gora
Explore Montenegro’s Biogradska Gora National Park on a guided jeep adventure that takes you into the heart of the wilderness. This half-day tour, which typically lasts around 3 to 6 hours, offers a personalized experience with a private guide—perfect if you want to customize your day. You’ll visit small villages called “katuns”, learn about local customs, and enjoy panoramic views from mountain viewpoints, like Zekova glava at 2117 meters. The highlight is a short hike to Pesica Lake, where summer visitors can take a refreshing dip. Including lunch and park entrance fees, this tour is excellent for those who want a mix of culture, nature, and comfort.
What really sets this tour apart is its flexibility and expert guiding. Reviewers rave about the stunning scenery and the knowledgeable guide who shares stories about Montenegrin culture. At just over $250 for the group, it’s good value considering the personalized service and all-inclusive approach. Perfect for adventurous travelers who want a relaxed, immersive day without sacrificing comfort.
Bottom Line: A private jeep tour offering scenic mountain views, cultural insights, and a dip in Pesica Lake. Ideal for small groups seeking a flexible, guided experience.
2. National parks and wine tasting (NP Lovcen, NP Skadar lake, Cetinje, Njegusi)
This full-day tour combines Montenegro’s spectacular national parks with a taste of regional wine and culture. Starting from Podgorica, you’ll visit the Old Royal Capital of Cetinje, the village of Njegusi (famous for prosciutto and rakija), and enjoy spectacular viewpoints over Kotor Bay. The jewel is the visit to Skadar Lake National Park, where you can take a boat ride or simply enjoy the scenery. Then, ascend Lovcen National Park to the mausoleum of Petar II Petrovic Njegos, offering sweeping views of the coast and mountains.
A highlight is the wine tasting in Rvasji, where you’ll sample six types of wine, ten liquors, and five brandies—all served with traditional Montenegrin dishes. For around $271 per person, this tour offers excellent value, especially considering the hassle-free transport and guided commentary.
One guest commented, “Tanja showed us Montenegro in ways we never imagined, with her local insights making it unforgettable.” Whether you’re a wine lover or want a comprehensive taste of Montenegro’s natural and cultural highlights, this tour hits the mark.
Bottom Line: An engaging blend of national parks, cultural sites, and wine tasting, perfect for those who want a full, relaxed day with plenty of local flavor.
3. Private Full-Day Tour – Skadar Lake National Park, Saint Stefan and Kotor Tour
This full-day private outing takes you through three of Montenegro’s most iconic sights. Starting with a boat ride on Skadar Lake, the largest in the Balkans, you’ll enjoy birdwatching and panoramic views. The tour continues to Saint Stefan Island, a legendary hotel island that’s worth a photo, and then to the UNESCO-listed Kotor Old Town, with its medieval walls and narrow streets.
The tour’s beauty lies in its diversity—nature, history, and coastal scenery all in one day. You’ll see towns like Budva and Petrovac from scenic viewpoints, and there’s an option for a boat ride among lilies and birds. For $137 per person, it’s a sound choice for travelers wanting an all-in-one experience with a private guide.
Guests appreciated the ample time and expert guidance, with one saying, “Nino made the day perfect, with just the right balance of sightseeing and relaxation.” It’s suited for those with limited time who want a rich taste of Montenegro.
Bottom Line: A tailored, full-day tour that combines lakes, coastal towns, and UNESCO sites—great for first-time visitors wanting variety and comfort.
4. Biogradska Gora National Park Tour with Optional Add-Ons
This flexible Biogradska Gora National Park experience allows you to choose between a scenic forest walk, a drive through the Moraca Canyon, or a visit to Moraca Monastery. The tour runs about 5 to 8 hours and is designed with your interests in mind. Known for its ancient forests and the famous Biogradsko Lake, the park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
The tour is led by a knowledgeable local guide who shares stories about the forest’s history and ecology. The option to include a visit to Moraca Monastery adds a cultural layer to the adventure. Reviewers commend the breathtaking views and the guide’s fluent English, making this a personalized way to experience Montenegro’s natural beauty.
For around $166, this tour is good value, especially if you want flexibility or a gentle introduction to Montenegro’s forests and waterways.
Bottom Line: An adaptable tour ideal for nature lovers who want a mix of walking, driving, and cultural visits with a private guide.
5. Kayak Guided Tour Skadar Lake – Adventure in National Park
Explore Skadar Lake from a different perspective with a guided kayaking tour. This 4-hour adventure takes you past Murino Island, Veslo Island, and ends at Bokac Island—the largest on the lake. You’ll also visit the Grmozur Fortress and the Lesendro fortress, with plenty of opportunities to swim and relax.
The tour includes kayaks, dry bags, and alcoholic beverages—a perfect mix of adventure and refreshment. The itinerary is rich with unique sights like abandoned forts and bird reserves, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. The reviews highlight the amazing scenery, and one notes, “It was so active and fun, with plenty of interesting facts from the guide.”
At $108, this tour offers fantastic value, especially for travelers who want outdoor activity combined with cultural sights.
Bottom Line: A fun, active way to explore Skadar Lake’s natural beauty, with kayaking, forts, and scenic views—perfect for adventure-minded travelers.
6. Two Hours Sightseeing Lake Cruise at Montenegro National Park
If a relaxed boat ride sounds appealing, this two-hour lake cruise on Skadar Lake is a breezy way to see the highlights. Starting at Lesendro Fortress, the cruise passes through small canals and bird reserves, providing excellent bird-watching opportunities. You’ll see the White Lotus areas and enjoy the peaceful tranquility of the lake.
The trip includes a visit to Kamenik, a small bird reserve, giving you a snapshot of local wildlife. For just $17 per person, it’s an affordable and calming experience—especially good for travelers who want an easy, scenic outing.
Reviewers mention the friendly guides and the beautiful scenery, making it clear this is a no-stress way to enjoy Montenegro’s water landscapes.
Bottom Line: A short, scenic boat cruise perfect for those wanting a gentle introduction to Skadar Lake’s natural wonders.
7. Private Durmitor National Park and Black Lake Tour
This full-day private tour explores the magnificent Durmitor National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Starting with a walk along Crno Lake (Black Lake), you’ll see its stunning, peaceful waters surrounded by towering peaks. The tour then takes you on a panoramic drive through Durmitor’s rugged landscape, with remarkable views of high peaks, including Prutas at 2,393 meters. The highlight is visiting the dramatic Djurdjevica Tara Bridge, where you can take photos or even try the zip line for an adrenaline rush.
This tour offers a perfect mix of nature, adventure, and cultural landmarks. For $284, it provides a personalized experience with a small group or private guide. Reviewers praise the expert guide and the breathtaking scenery, making this ideal for lovers of mountains and lakes.
Bottom Line: A comprehensive, private exploration of Durmitor’s lakes, mountains, and bridges—best suited for active travelers with a taste for scenic adventures.
8. History of Montenegro – Private Cetinje and Lovcen national park tour
This full-day historical tour takes you through Montenegro’s old royal capital of Cetinje and the Majestic Lovcen National Park. It includes visits to Cetinje Monastery, King Nikola’s Castle, and the Njegos Mausoleum at Lake Peak. The highlight is learning about Montenegro’s past from an expert guide as you walk through the town’s museums and historical sites.
The tour also involves ascending Lovcen, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views and see the world’s highest mausoleum dedicated to the poet and ruler Petar II Petrovic Njegos. Costing about $280, it’s perfect for travelers interested in culture and history with transport included.
Guests appreciated the engaging guide and the chance to see Montenegro’s heritage firsthand. It’s suited for those keen on cultural enrichment and scenic mountain vistas.
Bottom Line: An enriching, culturally focused day that combines history, architecture, and mountain scenery—ideal for history buffs.
9. Jeep tour in National park Durmitor
This private Jeep safari in Durmitor National Park offers a rugged, off-road experience. Over 5 to 7 hours, you’ll explore distant corners of the park, including Valovito Lake, Modro Lake, and Pošćen Lake, along with the Prutas Peak at 2,393 meters. The tour includes entry to the park, meaning no surprises on costs.
Your guide will take you through mountain villages, canyons, and lakes that many visitors miss. It’s perfect for those wanting a flexible, customizable adventure. The owner mentions the ability to ask questions and get local restaurant recommendations, making it a personalized journey. The review mentions Dino’s caring attitude and the “long, wonderful day.”
For around $523 per group, it’s a premium experience, best suited for small groups or families seeking off-the-beaten-path sights.
Bottom Line: An exclusive, off-road adventure tailored to your interests, ideal for active travelers eager to explore Durmitor’s hidden corners.
10. North of Montenegro Private Tour – Tara Canyon & National Parks
This full-day private trip takes you into Tara River Canyon, the deepest in Europe, and around Durmitor National Park. Starting with a ride through the Tara Canyon, you can opt for a zip line over the river, an exhilarating way to see the canyon from above. The tour includes a visit to Crno Lake, where you can walk around and enjoy mountain views.
The guide offers personalized attention, and everything is arranged for convenience. At $264 per person, it’s a good value for a full day of insider access to Montenegro’s most dramatic landscapes. Guests mention the care and knowledge of the guide, with one calling it “a perfect way to see Montenegro’s mountains and lakes.”
Bottom Line: A comprehensive, private adventure perfect for those looking to see the deepest canyon in Europe along with lakes and mountain vistas.
11. North Montenegro return trip – Biogradska Gora National Park
This shorter, return transfer focuses on Biogradska Gora National Park and its famous Biograd Lake. Starting from Podgorica, you’ll travel through Tara River Canyon and enjoy about two hours of free time to walk around the lake and take in the scenery. It’s a straightforward option for travelers with limited time who want a taste of Montenegro’s lush forests.
At just $135 per person, it offers good value for a scenic drive plus a relaxing walk. Reviewers appreciate the comfortable transport and the beautiful lake views, making it an easy, no-fuss way to see this UNESCO site.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers short on time who want a scenic drive plus some lake time in a well-organized, private trip.
How to Choose the Right Montenegro National Park Tour
Picking the best tour depends on your interests, pace, and budget. If you love adventure and off-road driving, the Jeep tours (Biogradska Gora, Durmitor) are hard to beat. For those interested in culture, history, and wine, the full-day tours (Cetinje and Lovcen, National parks and wine) offer a rich experience. If you prefer a relaxed day on the water, the lake cruise (Skadar Lake, kayaking), is a great choice. And for travelers on a tighter schedule, shorter trips like the Biogradska Gora return or the lake cruise make excellent options.
Consider your fitness level, as some tours involve walking or kayaking, and your interest in culture versus scenery. Booking early is advised, especially in high season (summer months). Think about combining a jeep tour with a cultural visit or simply enjoying a boat cruise for a laid-back day.
Montenegro’s parks offer a spectrum of experiences, from rugged jeep safaris to peaceful lakeside cruises. Whether you’re seeking adventure, culture, or just a chance to relax among stunning scenery, you’ll find a tour that matches your style. A little planning now means plenty of memorable moments later. Happy travels!