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Birds of Montenegro
This 12-days birding in Montenegro tour, offers a comprehensive exploration of Montenegro's diverse ecosystems and birds, with additional highlights in neighboring Albania. The adventure begins in Virpazar, a picturesque village on the shores of Lake Skadar, where participants will enjoy their first taste of Montenegro's rich birdlife, including species like Dalmatian Pelicans, Pygmy Cormorants, Whiskered Terns, Great Read Warbler and many other species during a tranquil boat trip. From here, the tour delves into the Ulcinj Salina, a renowned birdwatching site on Montenegro's southern coast, where over 250 bird species, including European Rollers, European Bee-eaters, many wader species and other birds, can be spotted amidst the salt pans and marshes.
The journey continues through Montenegro's dramatic landscapes, including the rugged Lovćen National Park, where towering peaks and ancient forests provide a backdrop for birding and exploration. Participants will also visit the historic town of Kotor and the serene Tivat Salina before venturing into the remote wilderness of Prokletije National Park. Here, birdwatchers will have the chance to observe rare species such as the Western Capercaillie, Hazel Grouse and Black Woodpecker in one of Europe's wildest mountain ranges.
The tour also includes visits to Biogradska Gora, one of Europe's last primeval forests, and the UNESCO-listed Durmitor National Park, known for its stunning glacial lakes, deep canyons, and diverse bird species like the Ring Ouzel and Alpine Chough. The journey concludes with a scenic drive through the breathtaking Piva Canyon, ending in Tirana, Albania. This tour offers a perfect blend of birdwatching, scenic beauty, and cultural exploration, making it an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts.
Here below is described the itinerary:
Itineraries
Day 1
Arrivals and departures to Virpazar
We will meet at Tirana International Airport on the arrivals. When the group is gathered, we will get the bus and head towards the village of Virpazar in Montenegro. Based on the time of arrival, we might eventually get lunch on the way.
Virpazar is a charming village in Montenegro, situated on the shores of Lake Skadar. Known as the gateway to the lake. It serves as a popular starting point for boat tours and is celebrated for its scenic beauty, rich history, and vibrant local culture. Virpazar offers great opportunities for birdwatching. Its picturesque setting and tranquil atmosphere make it a hidden gem in Montenegro's landscape.
On the way to Virpazar, depending on the available time we might visit a few spots in the Albanian side of Shkodra Lake. Of priority is to visit a big flat spring called “Syri i Sheganit”. The name translates to "The Eye of Shegan," and it’s known for its strikingly clear, blue-green waters that resemble an eye when viewed from above. This natural wonder is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, who come to enjoy its serene beauty. The spring is part of the rich and diverse ecosystem of Shkodra Lake, contributing to the area's vibrant aquatic life.
Nearby this spot there are situated the colonies of the Whiskered Terns. Nevertheless, we will be able to see a good number of other water bird species, including Dalmatian Pelican, Glossy Ibis, Common Tern, Great Creased Grebe etc. In terms of passerines, we will see Crested Lark, Black-headed Bunting, Corn Bunting and a good number of other species.
After making the stop here we will continue heading to the border with Montenegro and then to Virpazar, where we will check-in in the hotel.
Day 2
Shkodra/Skadar Lake
Today, after the breakfast, we will do a boat trip in the lake in the first part of the day. We will take the boat from the centre of the village and spend around 3 hours, sailing in Shkodra Lake to watch birds. Along the boat trip we will see Pigmy Cormorants, Dalmatian Pelicans, Whiskered Terns, Great Reed Warblers etc. There will be very good opportunities for photography of water birds. Hence, cameras should be taken.
In the 2nd part of the day we will go through a very nice trail that starts in Virapazar. We will have opportunities to see many shrubland species and very beautiful landscapes of the area around.
Day 3
Ulcinj Salina
Today we will visit the Ulcinj Salina. Ulcinj’s Salina is a great site for bird watching on Montenegro’s southern coast, renowned for its rich avian diversity. This expansive saltwater wetland, with its shallow pools, salt pans, and surrounding marshes, is a critical stopover for migratory birds along the Adriatic Flyway. It hosts over 250 bird species, including European Rollers, Bee-eaters, Stone Curlew, Collared Pratincole, Greater Flamingo and many other species.
We will spend the whole first part of the day, until early afternoon in the Ulcinj Salina.
Further on the day it will be visited Ada Bojana, which is a serene island located at the mouth of the Bojana River, where it meets the Adriatic Sea. Known for its unique shape, the island is renowned for its pristine sandy beaches and tranquil waters, making it a popular destination for relaxation and water activities. The island features a mix of natural beauty and unspoiled landscapes. Ada Bojana also boasts a rich cultural history, with remnants of traditional fishing villages.
Day 4
Lovcen National Park
Today, after breakfast, we will start heading to Lovćen National Park that is located in Montenegro’s southwest, is a stunning natural haven renowned for its rugged mountain landscapes and rich biodiversity. The park's dramatic geology features karst formations, steep cliffs, and deep valleys shaped by centuries of erosion. Dominated by the imposing Lovćen Mountain, the park is home to diverse forest types, including beech and oak forests, as well as high-altitude coniferous woods. Here is a great combination of scenic trails, primary forests, and alpine meadows, while the iconic mausoleum of Petar II Petrović Njegoš, perched at the park's peak, provides a historical and panoramic vantage point.
We will spend the whole first part of the day in Lovcen National Park.
After visiting Lovcen National Park, will head down towards Kotori Bay.
Kotor is a picturesque coastal town in Montenegro, located at the edge of a deep bay surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs. Known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, Kotor features narrow, winding streets, charming squares, and historic buildings that reflect its rich Venetian heritage. The town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its stunning fortifications and the impressive Kotor Fortress that overlooks the bay. We will have great views of Kotor from above and in-case the group wants we can get into the town and spend some short time there, before heading towards our next destination that is the Tivat Salina for birding.
Tivat Salina, is expansive saltwater lagoon that features a network of shallow pools and mudflats, providing vital habitat for a variety of bird species and supporting a rich array of plant life. The area is known for its tranquil beauty and unique landscape, offering opportunities for peaceful nature walks and wildlife observation. We will spend around two hours here and then move to Virpazar.
On the way to Virpazar, we will pass through Saint Stefan (Sveti Stefan) Island, that is one of Montenegro's most iconic and picturesque destinations. Located along the Adriatic coast, this small, fortified island is connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway. The island is renowned for its stunning 15th-century stone villas, which have been transformed into a luxurious resort managed by Aman Resorts.
During the 1960s and 1970s, when the island was a glamorous hotspot, it attracted numerous celebrities, including the actress Sophia Loren and other notable figures who have stayed on the island include Marilyn Monroe, Princess Margaret, and Claudia Schiffer. The island's allure as a luxurious retreat for the rich and famous remains to this day.
Day 5
Virpazar - Prokletje National Park
This day we will check out from the hotel in Virpazar and move towards the town of Plav in south-east Montenegro. The day will be super interesting and we will stop in many places for birding on the way to Plav. We will enter back in Albania and drive to Plav through the northernmost point of Albania: the village of Vermosh. Landscape it is more than gorgeous.
We will arrive in Plav in early evening.
Day 6
Prokletje National Park
This day, after breakfast, we will drive towards Prokletje National Park.
Prokletije National Park, located in the rugged Prokletije Mountains, near the border with Albania, is a breathtaking natural area known for its dramatic landscapes and rich biodiversity. The park is characterized by towering peaks, deep valleys, and pristine glacial lakes. It is very interesting, particularly for forest birds. The area is well-known for the breeding of Western Capercaille, Hazel Grouse, Black Woodpecker, White-backed Woodpecker and many other forest bird species. The park's remote and unspoiled environment hosts a variety of rare and endemic plant also and all the large carnivores of Europe, including the Balkan Lynx, making it one of Europe's wildest mountain ranges.
We will spend the whole day in Prokletje National Park, in the best parts of it.
Day 7
Biogradska Gora National Park and Durmitor National Park
This day, we will check out from the hotel in Plav and head towards Biogradska Gora National Park.
Biogradska Gora National Park, is one of Europe's last remaining primeval forests. It is renowned for its ancient woodlands, crystal-clear glacial lakes, and diverse ecosystems. The park is home to centuries-old trees, some reaching over 500 years in age, and a rich variety of flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species. The centerpiece of the park is Biogradsko Lake, a serene spot surrounded by dense forest. With its untouched nature and tranquil atmosphere.
We will make the best trail there, all around the lake and watch birds and other wildlife. Forest birds are the target species here.
After Biogradska Gora, we will head towards Durmitor National Park, our destination for the rest of the days of this tour.
Days 8, 9, 10
Durmitor National Park
All these days we will spend in Durmitor National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Montenegro, is famed for its dramatic landscapes, including rugged mountains, deep canyons, and glacial lakes. The park's centerpiece, Mount Durmitor, attracts hikers and climbers, while the Tara River Canyon, the deepest in Europe, is popular for rafting. Rich in biodiversity, Durmitor is home to rare wildlife and diverse plant species. We will be able to see many species of forest and open land birds here, including Ring Ouzel, Alpine Cough, Red-billed Cough, Red-footed Falcons, Montagu’s Harrier and many other species.
Along the three full days, we will visit the best sites for birding of Durimtor National Park.
Day 11
Piva Canyon – Tirana
Today we will check out from the hotel in Durmitor National Park and head towards Tirana. The way will follow goes through Piva Canyon, and offers indeed some of the most gorgeous landscapes I have ever seen. We will make many stops on the way for birds.
In the evening we will reach Tirana where we will get accommodated.
Day 12
Departures
In the given price are included:
- All meals (not drinks)
- Water and snacks in the field
- Accommodation
- Transport
- Guiding
- Entrance fees and tickets
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06 June - 17 June 2025