Birdwatching Holiday in Montenegro
An eight-day, seven-night small-group birding holiday linking Lake Skadar, Cijevna Canyon, the Ulcinj coast and Montenegro's northern mountains.
About this tour
Travel from the wetlands of Lake Skadar to the forests and mountains of northern Montenegro on an eight-day, seven-night birdwatching holiday. The program is based first near Virpazar, then includes an overnight in Žabljak before returning south for the final night.
Guided field days explore the pelican colony and other wetland habitats of Lake Skadar, the southern lakeshore and Cijevna Canyon, Ulcinj Salina and the Bojana Delta, and the forests and highland landscapes around Biogradska Gora and Durmitor. A free day in the middle of the itinerary gives guests time to rest or explore independently.
Possible highlights include Dalmatian Pelican, Pygmy Cormorant, Glossy Ibis, Squacco Heron, Ferruginous Duck, Whiskered Tern, European Scops-Owl, Short-toed Snake-Eagle, Subalpine Warbler, Cirl Bunting, Blue Rock-Thrush, Greater Flamingo, Collared Pratincole, Kentish Plover, European Roller, Black Woodpecker and Spotted Nutcracker. Every bird remains wild, and the exact mix depends on season, weather and current field conditions.
The 2027 shared departure begins on 18 April and costs GBP 1,095 per person, with a GBP 200 single supplement. Airport transfers are not included. BirdWatch routes inquiries to Undiscovered Balkans so current availability, meeting arrangements and booking terms can be confirmed before commitment.
Birds you can spot
Dryocopus martius
target
Himantopus himantopus
target
Monticola solitarius
target
Emberiza cirlus
target
Glareola pratincola
target
Lophophanes cristatus
target
Pelecanus crispus
target
Otus scops
target
Picoides tridactylus
target
Coracias garrulus
target
Aythya nyroca
target
Plegadis falcinellus
target
Phalacrocorax carbo
target
Phoenicopterus roseus
target
Anarhynchus alexandrinus
target
Microcarbo pygmaeus
target
Circaetus gallicus
target
Ardeola ralloides
target
Chlidonias hybrida
target
Guides
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival and independent transfer to Lake Skadar
Arrange your own transfer from the airport to the Lake Skadar base near Virpazar. Settle into Villa Miela and join the welcome dinner.
Day 2
Pelicans and wetland birds on Lake Skadar
Take a birding boat trip toward the lake's pelican colony and productive wetland areas. Search for Dalmatian Pelican, Pygmy Cormorant, Glossy Ibis, Squacco Heron, Ferruginous Duck and Whiskered Tern, with a packed brunch during the field day.
Day 3
Southern Lake Skadar and Cijevna Canyon
Explore the southern shore of Lake Skadar, then continue to Cijevna Canyon for Mediterranean scrub and rocky-habitat birds such as scops owl, Short-toed Snake-Eagle, Subalpine Warbler, Cirl Bunting and Blue Rock-Thrush.
Day 4
Ulcinj Salina and the Bojana Delta
Spend the day in coastal wetland habitat around Ulcinj Salina and the Bojana Delta. Possible birds include Greater Flamingo, Collared Pratincole, Kentish Plover, Black-winged Stilt and other seasonal waders and waterbirds.
Day 5
Free day near Lake Skadar
Use the day to rest at the accommodation or explore independently, with optional local plans confirmed directly before travel.
Day 6
Biogradska Gora, Tara Canyon and Durmitor
Travel north through Biogradska Gora and the Tara Canyon toward Durmitor. Birding stops focus on mountain forest and woodland species before an overnight in Žabljak and an included evening meal.
Day 7
Durmitor forest birding and return south
Continue birding in Durmitor's forest habitats for species such as Crested Tit, Black Woodpecker, Three-toed Woodpecker, Spotted Nutcracker, Common Crossbill and Northern Goshawk. Return south via Skakavac waterfall for the final night near Lake Skadar.
Day 8
Departure
Check out in the morning and continue with your independently arranged onward travel.
Locations & map
- Lake Skadar National Park - Virpazar and Lake Skadar Montenegro (Mediterranean wetland, lake, reed-bed and karst habitat with important spring waterbird activity.)
- Ulcinj Salina and Bojana Delta - Ulcinj Montenegro (Coastal saltpan, lagoon and delta habitat used by flamingos, waders and other migratory birds.)
- Biogradska Gora and Durmitor - Northern Montenegro Montenegro (Mountain forest, canyon and highland habitat for woodland and alpine birds.)
Availability & pricing
Availability is confirmed after your inquiry.
Single traveler supplement: GBP 200
Included
- Seven nights of accommodation - Most nights are near Lake Skadar, with one night in Žabljak.
- Five guided birding excursions - Field days cover Lake Skadar, Cijevna Canyon, the Ulcinj coast and northern Montenegro.
- Meals listed in the program - Lunches on excursion days, the welcome dinner and one additional evening meal are included.
- Scheduled transportation in Montenegro - Transport used for the scheduled itinerary is included.
Not included
- International flights - Guests arrange travel to and from Montenegro.
- Airport transfers - Airport transfers are not included in the published price.
- Single supplement - The 2027 single supplement is GBP 200.
- Travel insurance and personal expenses - Guests arrange their own insurance and personal purchases.
Transport & stays
- Road transport and birding boat The itinerary combines road transport within Montenegro with a birding boat trip on Lake Skadar. Airport transfers are not included. | Meet: The Lake Skadar accommodation near Virpazar | Pickup: Guests arrange their own airport transfers; final meeting instructions are confirmed after inquiry.
Accommodations
- Villa Miela Lake Retreat Twin or double rooms according to the confirmed booking
- Žabljak hotel Confirmed after inquiry
Policies & FAQ
Cancellation Policy
Payment Terms
Insurance & Safety
Is this a specialist birdwatching holiday?
Yes. The program includes five guided birding excursions led by a Montenegrin bird specialist across wetland, coastal, canyon, forest and mountain habitats.
Can solo travelers join?
Yes. Solo bookings are accepted, with a 2027 single supplement of GBP 200. Current room availability must be confirmed.
What is the minimum age?
The minimum age is 12 years. A parent or guardian should confirm suitability for the full itinerary before booking.
Are particular birds guaranteed?
No. The route covers productive habitats, but every sighting depends on season, weather, access and natural bird activity.
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.