Welcome to Enchanting Journeys

 

Hidden treasures, no more…Montenegro…

 

There simply is no way to tour Europe and not be awestruck by its scenic beauty, epic history and dazzling artistic & culinary diversity. Once you have ticked off the great museums, panoramic vistas & energetic nightlife, what is left?  And cramming in more history, culture & spectacular scenery than seems entirely reasonable for its size, the Western Balkans is one of Europe's most intriguing regions. Diverse, welcoming and a hell of a lot of fun – everything you never heard about Serbia is true.  Come……experience the beauty of Balkans with us…….

 

Europe’s almost unmanageable wealth of attractions is its biggest single draw: the birthplace of democracy in Athens, the Renaissance art of Florence, the graceful canals of Venice, the Napoleonic splendour of Paris, and the multilayered historical & cultural canvas of London. Less obvious but no less impressive attractions include Moorish palaces in Andalucía, the fascinating East meets West brew of İstanbul in Turkey, the majesty of meticulously restored imperial palaces in Russia's former capital St Petersburg & the ongoing project of Gaudí's La Sagrada Família in Barcelona.

 

There is a huge diversity of natural scenery: rugged Scottish Highlands with glens & lochs; Norway's fabulous fjords, seemingly chipped to jagged perfection by giants; the vine-raked valleys of the Loire; & the steppe-like plains of central Spain. If you are looking for beaches, a circuit of the Mediterranean's northern coast reveals one gem after another. Or strike out to lesser known, yet beautiful coastal regions such as the Baltic & Black Seas. Mountain lovers should head to the Alps: they march across central Europe taking in France, Switzerland, Austria, northern Italy & tiny Liechtenstein.

 

Cultural Pursuits|Great Outdoors|Culinary Adventures| Home to History

 

Talking of Balkans - the stuff of Legends.

 

Cramming in more history, culture & spectacular scenery than seems entirely reasonable for its size, the Western Balkans is one of Europe's most intriguing regions & ‘Balkan Peninsula’ was a synonym for European Turkey in the 19^th century, the former provinces of the Ottoman Empire in Southeast Europe. Rocky mountains & terracotta-roofed towns plunge spectacularly into crystal-clear waters all along the Adriatic coast. Amongst all the crowded beach resorts, Croatia's myriad islands provide some nooks of quiet seclusion, while Albania's less-visited riviera still has donkeys wandering through olive groves abutting secluded bays.

 

Though change is coming quickly to the Western Balkans, timeless traditions retain their currency - in some parts, even blood feuds are not as ancient as they ought to be. It is a region where you can barely keep up with the nightlife, but still get stuck behind a horse & cart. Urban landscapes are a pop-up book of European architectural history on a grand scale. Winding Ottoman streets are punctuated with Byzantine churches, Austro-Hungarian villas & angular communist-era blocks. Throw in some Roman ruins & Venetian palazzos, then wrap it all in a medieval wall & plonk it by the sea.

 

Foreign invaders have plundered the Balkans for millennia & the region's cooks have plundered right back, incorporating Venetian, Austrian, Hungarian & Ottoman flavours into the mixing pot. You might tuck into crumbed schnitzel in Ljubljana, seafood risotto in Split, octopus carpaccio in Budva, spicy goulash in Novi Sad, flaky burek (savoury pastry) in Sarajevo, a meaty kebab in Kosovo, blissful baklava in Tirana & stuffed peppers in Skopje. Locally produced olive oil, truffles & wine hold their own against the best in the world, as does the seafood, herb-grazed lamb & abundant bounty of fresh fruit & vegetables.

 

Aside from the ever-present architectural legacy, the Balkans are liberally scattered with artistic treasures, from church frescoes to Socialist Modernist sculptures & an edgy contemporary art scene. You are likely to stumble on street-side klapa (unaccompanied vocal harmony) performances in Dalmatia, plaintive sevdah singers in Bosnia, bards wielding gusle (single-stringed instruments) in Montenegro & upbeat Roma trubaci (trumpet bands) in Serbia. Religious festivities are celebrated with gusto, as are film festivals, outdoor performances of theatre & classical music, and the large alternative & electronic dance music festivals that attract thousands of visitors every summer.

 

Now, let us talk about mesmerizing & miniscule Montenegro bursting at the seams with majestic mountains, breathtaking beaches & larger-than-life locals.

 

Bursting at the seams with majestic rugged mountains, a breathtaking narrow strip of beaches, medieval villages and larger-than-life locals, minuscule Montenegro is a Balkan country in the south of the Adriatic sea.

 

Nowhere else you can find so much natural beauty, mild beaches, clear lakes, fast rivers and gorgeous mountains in such a compact area as in Montenegro.

 

Ever since the Roman Empire split in two 1600 years ago, Montenegro has sat on the borderline between east & west. The richness of its cultural history can be seen in the mosaic floors of Roman villas, flamboyantly painted Orthodox monasteries, ornate Catholic churches, elegant minarets of mosques & the sturdy fortresses built by the numerous powers that have fought over these lands. Then there is the legacy of 50 years as a non-aligned communist state, independent of both the Eastern Bloc & the West. For those with even a passing interest in European history, it is a fascinating place.

 

It is not even 300km from tip to toe, but Montenegro's coastline crams in some of Europe’s most spectacular seaside scenery. Mountains jut sharply from crystal-clear waters in such a way that the word 'looming' is unavoidable. Ancient walled towns cling to the rocks & dip their feet in the water like they are the ones on holiday. In summer, the whole scene is bathed in the scent of wild herbs, conifers & Mediterranean blossoms. All of this - & much, much more - is wrapped up into an area two-thirds of the size of Wales.

 

It is nigh on impossible to come across a travel section without someone trumpeting Montenegro as the new 'it' destination. And though the country is rightfully revelling in the spotlight, the people remain as they have always been: candid, convivial & charming. For the most part, you are more likely to encounter a spontaneous bear hug than a bothersome tout. Whether you are chasing highland hospitality or coastal comradery, expect gregarious greetings, the shirt off your host's back & the addition of at least 5kg; these folks love to feed.

 

In order to get to the heart of Montenegro you shall try the specialties of the national cuisine. The diversity of Montenegrin nature & the ethnographic diversity have left a trace on Montenegrin cuisine. Montenegrins are good & generous hosts. Whether you are dining at your friend's, in an authentic Montenegrin home, or in some restaurant, you shall be cordially welcomed.

 

When expecting a guest, according to an old time custom, as a sign of hospitality they open wide the door or the gate. They offer to the guest the best food & drink they have in the house, reserve for him the best place at table & do their best to make his stay in their home as comfortable as possible.

 

When the beaches fill up with Eastern European sun seekers, intrepid travellers can easily sidestep the hordes by getting off the beaten track in the rugged mountains of Durmitor & Prokletije, the primeval forest of Biogradska Gora, or in the many towns & villages where ordinary Montenegrins go about their daily lives. Hike, horse ride, mountain bike or kayak yourself to somewhere obscure & chances are you wll have it all to yourself. This is, after all, a country where wolves & bears still lurk in forgotten corners.

 

Take long morning walks along the beautiful Adriatic coast, have lunch on the banks of Skadar Lake or enjoy an evening hike in the mountains. Montenegro will not leave you indifferent.

 

Wherever you go, in whichever season, the night will take you to the magical places, led by the music & atmosphere coming out from the pubs & restaurants every time the door opens. Don’t stay at one place only. Try everything: parties in the open, beach parties, parties with electronic beats & guitar music or concerts of folk stars in the clubs & discotheques.

 

Boutique shop windows, bristling with goods mostly in city centres & large shopping centres are calling you from the windows waving with brands of the leading designers: Versace, Ferre, Max Mara, Adidas. Shopping malls are also the places where fashion shows are held, theatre plays, mini concerts, where you can have a nice cup of coffee & entertainment for children.

 

The Bay of Kotor, resembling a fjord, is dotted with coastal churches & fortified towns such as Kotor & Herceg Novi. Durmitor National Park, home to bears and wolves, encompasses limestone peaks, glacial lakes & the 1,300m deep Tara River Canyon.

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Concerned that you don't speak the language or have a degree in regional history? Not to worry!  Our local offices are always there 24/7 to offer any assistance you might need.

 

A unique experience amidst an idyllic scenery & tryst with a very rich historical & architectural heritage is just a beginning....... Yep, the welcoming Montenegrins are waiting & The Journeys is ready to take you on well, a journey (or journeys) of discovery.

 

We are in the process of updating our Offerings of experiential journeys to Montenegro. Please contact us in the interim if you want to explore options & we will be happy to offer suggestions based on your personal preferences………

 

Come……be inspired & discover the World with us