Canyons Tour to Tara, Moraca, Durmitor, Zabljak, Black Lake and Djurdjevica Bridge from Budva, Montenegro

A canyon excursion from Budva is one of the best full-day journeys into northern Montenegro. In a single trip, you can experience the Moraca, Tara and Komarnica river canyons, see the famous Djurdjevica Bridge, visit Zabljak, explore Durmitor National Park and spend time at Black Lake. It is an excellent choice for travelers who want to discover more than the coast and see Montenegro’s mountain landscapes, deep gorges, forests, rivers, lakes and panoramic passes that make the north of the country so memorable.

Main advantage for guests staying in Budva: departure is arranged from bus stops selected during booking. There is no need to travel north on your own — simply choose the most convenient stop near your accommodation and arrive there at the indicated time.
 

Tour at a glance

• Start: approximately around 06:30 in the morning.
• Return: usually around 19:00, though timing may vary depending on traffic, stops and road conditions.
• Duration: about 12–15 hours.
• Guide: experienced licensed Russian-speaking guide.
• Route: Montenegro coast, Podgorica, Moraca Canyon, Biograd Lake or Moraca Monastery, Tara Canyon, Djurdjevica Bridge, Zabljak, Durmitor, Black Lake, Komarnica Canyon.
• Lunch: optional set lunch — from 15 € per person. Drinks are paid separately.
• Optional extras: Zip-Line near Djurdjevica Bridge and boats on Black Lake.
• Confirmation: voucher is sent by e-mail.
• Payment: seats can be reserved in advance only on the website, while the excursion itself is paid to the guide on the bus.
• Weather: the tour runs in all weather conditions.

Excursion route from Budva

The day starts early, usually around 06:30. The first part of the drive goes through mountain roads, passing the area of Skadar Lake or Cetinje, and then continues through Montenegro’s capital — Podgorica. If you are planning several trips around the country, this drive gives you a first impression of Skadar Lake and may help you decide later on a separate trip to Skadar Lake. The program also mentions the direction toward Ostrog Monastery and Podgorica.

Skadar Lake and Podgorica on the way

The opening section of the route reveals the scenery of central Montenegro. Depending on the road chosen for the day, travelers either pass Skadar Lake or Cetinje, and then the bus continues through Podgorica.

Moraca River Canyon

After Podgorica, the road enters the Moraca River Canyon. This is where the route becomes truly mountainous, with sheer cliffs, winding bends and dramatic views opening up along the gorge.

In some sections, the opposite side of the canyon is only 30–50 meters away. Above, there is just a narrow strip of sky, while below an emerald mountain river flows through the gorge.

Biograd Lake or Moraca Monastery

Not far from the road, hidden among the forest, lies Biograd Lake. According to the program, separate time may be allocated for visiting the lake and the national park.

Depending on road conditions, timing and overall route organization, Biograd Lake may be replaced by a visit to Moraca Monastery.

The monastery church is dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and dates back to the 12th century. Inside, you can see preserved frescoes depicting the Virgin Mary and Christ, as well as scenes from the life of the Prophet Elijah. Special attention is also drawn to the icons of Saint Simeon and Saint Sava — works by Kozma Veliky.

At the monastery, visitors can light candles for health or remembrance, leave prayer notes, and buy icons or braided bracelets known as brojanicas — traditional Serbian-Montenegrin talismans. Photography is not allowed inside the church, but it is permitted in the courtyard. In spirit, this stop is similar to trips to Ostrog Monastery, although the route itself is different.

Tara River Canyon

Farther north, the road approaches the beginning of the Tara River Canyon. A large part of the drive follows the cliffs and the lower section of the gorge, which makes the scenery here especially striking.

The canyon is more than 1,300 meters deep and stretches for 78 km. The Tara River is also famous for rafting — one of Montenegro’s best-known outdoor adventures.

Djurdjevica Bridge and Zip-Line

After several photo stops, the group arrives at the canyon’s most iconic landmark — Djurdjevica Bridge. This mid-20th-century engineering structure features a span of 108 meters, and rises more than 150 meters above the gorge.

The bridge is open to vehicles, but visitors are also allowed to walk across it from one side to the other and take photos. It is one of the country’s most recognizable landmarks.

If you wish, you can also ride a cable across the canyon near the bridge — the Zip-Line. The guide on site can help you choose the option that suits you best.

Near the bridge and during technical stops, local residents often sell homemade products such as honey, wine, rakija and other regional specialties. It is best to buy what you have tasted and genuinely liked during the sampling.

Lunch during the trip

Before visiting Djurdjevica Bridge, there is a stop at a traditional national restaurant in the Tara Canyon area. An optional set lunch is available for an additional charge — from 15 € per person. Guests can usually choose grilled trout with a side dish or a meat option. The meal also includes a seasonal vegetable salad and bread. Drinks are paid separately on site. Lunch is paid in cash to the guide on the bus. The approximate lunch time is around 12:00. This is due to the early departure and the fact that northern Montenegro has a limited number of restaurants able to host tourist groups and prepare set meals.

Zabljak, Durmitor and Black Lake

After lunch, the route continues toward the town of Zabljak. This area belongs to Durmitor National Park, which is protected by UNESCO as a natural and geographical site of global importance.

This region is home to the country’s highest peaks, including Bobotov Kuk at 2,522 meters above sea level. At the foot of the mountains lies Black Lake, known for its clear, transparent water.
From the parking area, it takes about 10 minutes to walk to the lake one way. Visitors usually get around 1 hour of free time here. Since this is a long excursion, stop durations are planned carefully to fit the full route into one day.
At Black Lake, you can take a walk, relax by the water, enjoy the views and, if you wish, go for a swim. In season, it is worth bringing swimwear. Boats are also available for an extra charge.

This is a popular place for family walks, quiet relaxation, yoga and fresh mountain air.

Komarnica Canyon and return

After Black Lake, the return journey begins. On the way back, the bus passes another scenic stretch — the canyon along the Komarnica River.

The route includes photo stops, technical breaks and a lunch stop. Return is usually planned for around 19:00, but the actual arrival time may change depending on traffic and road conditions.

Comparison of key route options

Where you can join the canyons tour

This route is especially convenient for travelers staying in Budva. The bus picks up guests from the stops selected during booking. Because of dense coastal development and mountainous terrain, transport cannot always reach every hotel, villa or apartment directly.

Besides Budva, departures are also possible from Becici, Rafailovici, Przno, Sveti Stefan, Petrovac, Buljarica, Canj and Sutomore. For travelers staying around Boka Bay, the bus may also pick up in Tivat and Kotor.

What to bring

Temperatures on the coast and in the mountains can differ noticeably, so it is best to prepare in advance.

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• Warm clothing — northern Montenegro can be cooler than Budva, especially at the beginning and end of the season.
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• Comfortable shoes — the program includes walks and photo stops.
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• A scarf or modest clothing if the route includes a monastery visit.
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• Swimwear and bathing accessories if you plan to swim in Black Lake.

Practical details

Boarding takes place at the bus stops selected during booking. If you are staying in Budva, choose the stop closest to your accommodation. The website will show the available departure points. The trip is operated with a licensed Russian-speaking guide. There are also traveler reviews and recommendations about the route. Arrival times at attractions, stop durations and return time are approximate. The excursion may finish earlier or be delayed by 3–4 hours. Before departure, be sure to read the “Tourist Memo” sent to your e-mail together with the voucher.

Additional expenses

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• Optional set lunch — from 15 € per person.
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• Drinks during lunch are paid separately on site.
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• Zip-Line near Djurdjevica Bridge — optional, can be chosen on site.
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• Boats on Black Lake — extra charge, optional on site.
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• Homemade products and souvenirs at stops are purchased only if desired.

Important information about road conditions

Attention: in rare cases, the route may be changed due to rockfalls, roadworks, repairs, temporary closures or traffic restrictions. If necessary, the excursion may follow this scheme: Montenegro coast → Podgorica → Niksic → Savnik → Tara River Canyon → Djurdjevica Bridge → Zabljak → Black Lake → return by the same road.

At the moment, the road has been restored and is open to traffic. However, after heavy rain there is still a possibility of temporary restrictions on certain sections. Road services do not always announce changes in advance, so updated information may appear one day before the trip or on the day of departure.

The organizer reserves the right to adjust the route according to current road conditions and safety considerations.

The Canyons excursion runs in all weather conditions

Excursion video

The video shows the route and the main places included in the program: Moraca Canyon, Tara Canyon, Komarnica Canyon, Moraca Monastery or Biograd Lake, Djurdjevica Bridge, Zabljak, Durmitor and Black Lake.

Route on the map

The bus travels from Tivat and Kotor toward Budva. Along the way, it picks up travelers in Lastva Grbaljska, near Jaz Beach, then continues through Budva, Becici, Rafailovici, Przno, Sveti Stefan, Petrovac, Buljarica, Canj and Sutomore. After that, the route passes through the Sozina Tunnel and continues according to the program.

Map marker: Budva

Budva is the main departure resort for this page. The exact boarding point is selected during online booking from the available stops. Start the booking process on the website to see all departure points, then choose the one closest to your accommodation.

FAQ

Where does the trip start in Budva?

Boarding takes place at the bus stops selected during booking. Because of local development and terrain, the bus cannot always reach every hotel or villa directly.

What time does the excursion begin?

The approximate start is around 06:30 in the morning. The exact stop and departure details are shown during booking.

How long does the route last?

The trip usually takes 12 to 15 hours. Return is planned for around 19:00, but delays are possible because of the road and stops.

Which places are included in the program?

The program includes Moraca Canyon, Tara Canyon, Komarnica Canyon, Djurdjevica Bridge, Zabljak, Durmitor and Black Lake. Biograd Lake may be replaced by Moraca Monastery.

Is lunch available?

Yes, an optional set lunch is offered from 15 € per person. Drinks are paid separately on site.

Can visitors walk across Djurdjevica Bridge?

Yes, tourists are allowed to walk across the bridge and take photos.

Can you swim in Black Lake?

Yes, swimming is possible if you wish. If you plan to swim, bring your bathing accessories.

Can the route change?

Yes, in rare cases the route may be adjusted because of road conditions, repairs, rockfalls or traffic restrictions. The decision is made by the organizer with safety in mind.

Useful materials

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• Montenegro sightseeing routes overview
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• Traveler reviews about excursions
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• Montenegro tours catalog
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• Routes from Budva
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• TOP 33 attractions in Montenegro
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• What language is spoken in Montenegro
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• Monasteries and churches of Montenegro
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• Group trips from Budva
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• Prices and schedules for routes from Budva
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• Prices for excursions in Montenegro
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• Where to book excursion routes
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• Where to stay in Montenegro
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• Discounts on excursions
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• Routes from Becici
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• Routes from Kotor
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• Routes from Tivat
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• Routes from Petrovac

Expert guide and commercial travel advice from a local operator

How to choose, where to book, and what to check before reserving excursions in Montenegro.

• Author: OLIMPUS.me editorial team
• Checked by: local excursion specialist at OLIMPUS.me
• Updated: June 16, 2026

How to book the excursion

Booking the excursion is very easy: Click the button " Book / sign up for the excursion " , choose your departure point (the resort where you are staying), the excursion date and the number of participants. Below, the system will show the bus stops or departure points used for this excursion. Select the stop closest to your accommodation if more than one option is available. Enter your full name, phone number and the e-mail address where the voucher should be sent. Then click confirm. In the cart, check your details and press the button "Book and receive the voucher by e-mail". Enjoy your trip!

*** Reserve your seats now — pay the guide on the bus!