Montenegro is a small country with a centuries-old history of Christianity and a rich heritage of world Orthodox culture. Many holy places dating back to the 4th – 5th centuries AD have been preserved here to this day. Every day, pilgrims flock to Montenegro to venerate the holy relics of Basil of Ostrog the Wonderworker and the relics of Peter of Cetinje with the main shrines: the right hand of John the Baptist and a piece of the life-giving cross of the Lord on which Jesus Christ was crucified. A trip to the holy places will leave an unforgettable impression in your heart.

The excursion will begin in the morning around 8 am. Even if you are not staying in Budva, we will take you along the entire coast, thus you will have a chance admire the coast.Don't forget to take with you: Cameras, swimsuits, towels, clothes that cover your arms and legs below the knees and of course a good mood!

First stop National Park - Lake Skadar has been protected by the state since 1983. So, we will begin our acquaintance with the once largest market town of those places - the city of Virpazar, from the shores of which we will be able to see the main part of the lake, and on the other side in clear weather we will even see Albania - after all, the border of Montenegro with Albania passes through the waters of Lake Skadar! The city of Virpazar is an old fishing village with its centuries-old fishing spirit)

This place is also called the “Bird Paradise”; herons, ducks, and cormorants live here. This is one of the few places where the Dalmatian Dalmatian pelican still lives. A lake with clear water and rich flora and fauna, numbering 264 species of birds, including a rare species - Dalmatian pelican, as well as about 40 species of fish, the most valuable being Skadar carp, trout and bleak.

A boat trip will allow you to enjoy the beauty that opens up to your eyes. You can also refresh yourself by swimming in the clear water of the lake. 

Next stop will bein the ancient monastery of Daibabe. From the outside it looks like an ordinary church, but inside it is an amazing underground complex. Unique in that it was dug by hand into the rock in the shape of a cross! Here lie the relics of Saint Semeon, a student of Vasily of Ostrog. Beautiful ancient paintings, paintings, icons and an incredible aura. Many people find it so deeply affecting that they can never forget it.

Then we will continue our journey to the lower monastery of Ostrog (Podostrog), where we will visit the small church of the Holy Trinity. Carefully examine the frescoes that depict the life of St. Basil of Ostrog the Wonderworker, how he received pilgrims of all faiths, not only Orthodox, but also Catholics and Muslims.

Once every 10 years, white knitted socks are changed on the relics; when they take off the old ones, the monks notice the worn-out soles every time. It’s such a miracle that the spirit of Vasily Ostrozhsky is still rising up and down from the lower monastery to the upper one. It is believed that if you climb on foot, or even better barefoot, from the lower monastery to the upper one, the whole soul is cleansed, all a person’s sins go away! The Upper Monastery is separated from the Lower Monastery by a serpentine road about 3 kilometers long, passing through the forest. However, pilgrims walking usually use a shorter pedestrian road, which can be covered in 30-40 minutes.

Those who cannot climb on foot for some reason can take minibuses that will take you to the top of Ostrog.

Ostrog Monastery is the third most visited monastery in the world after Jerusalem and Mount Athos in Greece. When you first see the Ostrog Monastery, it is difficult to believe that it was created by human hands. In a small cave-type church, the relics of the Great Basil of Ostrog the Wonderworker are kept - the most knowledgeable and revered in all the Balkans. Bending down, pilgrims enter through the low doors and venerate his relics. People are still being healed here, getting back on their feet after long illnesses, and praying for their loved ones. Having risen to the bell tower of the monastery, you will notice another church dedicated to the Life-Giving Cross of the Lord. And opposite, a miraculous vine grows from the rocks. When she bears fruit, having eaten one grape, the girl can become pregnant from her loved one, who has wanted a child for so long, but it still hasn’t worked out before. 

You will spend 2-3 hours in Ostrog, after which there will be a lunch break, provided at a national restaurant.

Then the path will continue to the old capital - Cetinje.

On a walking tour of the city of Cetinje, the old capital of Montenegro, you will get acquainted with the history of the city, which dates back to the 15th century. You will be pleasantly surprised by a huge number of attractions: the Palace of Prince Nikola, the Blue Palace, the State Museum, the 15th-century Vlas Church with a fence made of the barrels of two thousand guns and many more interesting things. Visiting museums (optional).

After the walk we will visit the Cetinje Monastery. It is rich in history and preserves the Hand of St. John the Baptist - three fingers of the right hand, who baptized Jesus Christ. A piece of the life-giving cross of the Lord on which Jesus Christ was crucified and the relics of Peter of Cetinje, the founder of the monastery. If you have crosses on your body and everything you purchase in the monastery shop, be sure to consecrate it on the holy relics by venerating them. As in Ostrog, you can also light candles here and write notes for your health and repose. The Cetinje Monastery is the center of the Montenegrin metropolis for the entire Serbian-Montenegrin Orthodoxy.

And then we will go back to the coast through amazingly beautiful places where you can see the entire Budva Riviera. We will definitely pause to capture our journey!

Numerous photo stops and a lunch break are planned throughout the route. Lunch is provided in a national restaurant with famous local food: Lamb from Pod Sachem, grilled trout, dried meat, prosciutto, cheese, chorby (local soups), kajmak, Shopska salad, young red wine and much more of your choice!

We return back around 18:00.

All excursions are conducted only with a Russian-speaking experienced licensed guide!

Video Ostrog Monastery

Route on the map: Ostrog Monastery + Cetinje Monastery + Daibabe Monastery + Skadar Lake

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