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Day 1 (Saturday) – Arrival
Arrival at Podgorica on the Ryanair flight from Stansted. There is a 3-course welcome dinner on Villa Miela’s terrace and an introduction to the activities we’ll be doing during the week.

Day 2 (Sunday) – Explore & Discovery
An unforgettable car and hiking combination tour. We will drive past breathtaking views, hike to rock-pools for wild swimming, visit bat-inhabited caves before lunching at a locally run restaurant. We then jump back in the 4×4 for more stunning views, sometimes some bridge jumping, wild river swimming and then head off-road across a magnificent plain that would not look out of place in Africa. The breathtaking view from the ancient fort of Zabljak Crnojevića is our final stop before returning to Virpazar.

Day 3 (Monday) – Kayaking safari
Suitable for all levels of fitness, this 4-5 hour kayak trip will take you across stunning mirrored waters from Murići on the southern shores, (also home to the lake’s best freshwater beach), with views up to the fabled peaks of Albania’s Accursed Mountains. You’ll have the lake all to yourself as you swim in crystal clear waters and visit the lake’s renowned 14th century island monastaries, all the while taking in the awesome views, varied bird-life and glorious solitude.

Day 4 (Tuesday) – R&R day, optional wine-tasting!
Take a load off, chill by the pool, take our mountain bikes out for a spin, read a book on the yoga deck, go on a self-guided hike, or grab a €1 train ticket to visit the coast. Fancy something much less active? Lake Skadar is also Montenegro’s wine-country with upwards of 30 commercial producers on Villa Miela’s doorstep. The red vranac and white krstač wines are easily a match for more famous French rivals and we can set you up with a tour of a local vineyard and tasting with the friendliest of owners. Please note, wine-tasting is at extra cost, paid direct to the winery.

Day 5 (Wednesday) – Walnut Valley hike
Our favourite hike – this circular trail passes through ancient woodland, across arched Ottoman bridges and along riverside trails and old Roman caravan paths as it winds its way through one of Lake Skadar’s most beautiful valleys. We stop for wild swimming in natural spring-fed pools before hiking to the beautiful hillside village of Dupilo for lunch with a local family (extra cost applicable). This is unspoiled and undisturbed nature, with wild figs, herbs and tortoises in abundance! Best of all, you won’t have to share them with other tourists; this is our secret!

Day 6 (Thursday) – SUP trip on the Morača Delta
The gorgeous green waters of the Morača delta are home to all kinds of different bird life – you’ll see kingfishers, herons, pygmy cormorants and more as we paddle an 11km loop around the island of Vranjina. No need to worry about wind – 80% of the trip is on protected river channels, with the option of a monastery visit, some rope swings and a riverside picnic all on the cards!

Day 7 (Friday) – R&R day – optional white water kayaking!
Want something more active? Try our awesome white-water kayaking option, just an hour’s drive away (full kit provided). Zip down Grade 2/3 rapids along the crystal clear Morača river just north of the capital, Podgorica, under the tutelage of an expert instructor! Please note, this option is at extra cost, paid direct to the supplier.

Day 8 (Saturday) – Departure

Our exclusive offer for NP&O Group members includes all breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners and all guided activities.

Villa Miela has 4 rooms with en-suite bathrooms: 2 double rooms, one twin and one 4-bed room. Price: £545 per person

We also have 3 further rooms that each share one bathroom: one double and two twin rooms. Price: £495 per person

Ryanair flights from Stansted-Podgorica can be had for as little as £120 return (you book those!).

VILLA MIELA

A beautifully renovated farmhouse with swimming pool, Villa Miela is the ideal base for guests on our Lake Skadar multi-activity holidays. With panoramic views and a prime location offering easy access to the lake’s southern and northern shores as well as Virpazar’s restaurants and shops, it’s the perfect place to stay for families, couples and groups of friends. Make new friends as you share the well stocked kitchen, gorgeous outdoor terrace, gas BBQ and swimming pool, or take over the whole complex if your group numbers 6 or more (a supplement may be charged).

At a glance

Sleeps up to 16: 4 en-suite rooms (2 doubles, one twin, one 4-bed bunk room), 3 rooms with shared bathroom (1 double/triple, two bunk-bed twins)

2 modern kitchens with all amenities
Free WIFI
Open-plan living rooms with TV, DVD player, library of books and films and table tennis room
Large terrace with gas barbecue, loungers, hammocks, boules court, swimming pool; incredible views over lake, valley and mountains
Extensive grounds with natural orchard and wild tortoises
Two minutes from the lake shore, 30 minutes from the Adriatic coast
Free use of mountain bikes

Exposed stone details and wooden ceilings and floors add to the charm, with locally produced, handmade bedspreads and bathroom soaps also handmade from olive oil. Stunning views are offered up by each bedroom and the open-plan living areas.