Photo by: L Esenko
Location: Montenegro
PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR

Montenegro Magic and Optional Bosnia Extension

  • Kotor, lovely Bay, fortified walls, UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Perast and scenic boat tour to Lady of the Rocks
  • Incredible mountain views to Lovcen National Park
  • Old town of Budva and Islet of Sveti Stefan
  • Durmitor National Park, photography at Black Lake
  • Biogradska Gora National Park and Lake Skadar
  • Limited to twelve passengers
  • Nine days with photo instructor Jeff Hirsch and local photo guide
  • Optional extension to Bosnia-Herzegovina, including the Old Town of Sarajevo and the picturesque Mostar, along the river.
Region

Eastern Europe

Destination

Montenegro

Dates

May 9-19, 2026

Duration

10 days

Available Post-Trip Extension

Bosnia-Herzegoniva Extension

$5495

per person, double occupancy*

*U.S. dollars based upon minimum of 9 participants. There is a small group surcharge of $400 if 6-8 participants. We try to accommodate travelers who request single accommodations, as well as travelers who are looking for a roommate. If a single room is requested (subject to availability), or if we are unable to find a suitable roommate, there is a single room surcharge of $595.

Tour Overview

Montenegro may be a small country, but it’s a paradise for photographers. From the timeless charm of historical landmarks like the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kotor to its awe-inspiring natural beauty, Montenegro is a land of endless photo opportunities. The rugged coastlines, the dramatic geography of the Bay of Kotor, majestic mountains, serene rivers, shimmering lakes, and abundant wildlife offer diverse subjects to capture. It’s...

Montenegro may be a small country, but it’s a paradise for photographers. From the timeless charm of historical landmarks like the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kotor to its awe-inspiring natural beauty, Montenegro is a land of endless photo opportunities. The rugged coastlines, the dramatic geography of the Bay of Kotor, majestic mountains, serene rivers, shimmering lakes, and abundant wildlife offer diverse subjects to capture. It’s incredible how such variety exists within such a small area – a true gift for landscape and travel photographers.

Montenegro reveals two distinct faces to those with a camera in hand. Along the bustling coast, you’ll find vibrant scenes of luxury hotels, exquisite restaurants, lively nightclubs, golden beaches, and crystal-clear waters. The sunsets here are particularly mesmerizing, painting the sky with colors that beg to be photographed. In contrast, the inland regions present a quieter, timeless side, where life feels untouched by modern hustle. Nearby Lake Skadar, with its calm waters and reflections, provides an idyllic setting for serene and contemplative photography. Driving along the scenic roads here, you’ll often find yourself stopping to capture the solitude and untouched landscapes, as if they were made just for you.

Photographers will also find inspiration in Montenegro’s people and culture. The Montenegrins are warm and welcoming, their hospitality adds a human element to your storytelling. As you head north, their friendliness becomes even more pronounced, making candid portraits and cultural moments easier to capture. The food, too, is a feast for the senses and the camera. Whether it’s the vibrant hues of fresh seafood on the coast or the rustic charm of local cheese and ham from the mountain pastures.

Montenegro’s diversity, compact size, and natural beauty make it an ideal destination for photographers looking to capture the essence of a place where history, nature, and culture collide.

Continue your stay with Jeff and local guide to an unforgettable experience. For photographers, Mostar and Sarajevo are must-visit gems. Mostar’s iconic Stari Most, with its stone arch spanning emerald waters, is a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture and a symbol of resilience. Wandering its cobbled streets reveals a tapestry of history, culture, and vibrant markets. Sarajevo, the “Jerusalem of Europe,” offers a unique blend of minarets, cathedrals, and synagogues coexisting in harmony. Its bustling bazaars, historic bridges, and lively streets provide endless opportunities for street photography and cultural storytelling. These two cities encapsulate the rich heritage and visual charm of Bosnia and Herzegovina, making them a paradise for photographers.

Photo Leader

Jeff Hirsch

Tour Itinerary

May 9: Home – Overnight flight to Podgorica Montenegro

Depart from the U.S. or Canada today on an overnight flight* to Podgorica International Airport in Montenegro. Your arrival time can be anytime May 10 (check-in at hotel is 2PM).

May 10-12: Podgorica - Kotor - Loven National Park

Arrive at Podgorica airport and transfer to your hotel in Kotor. Meet the group and spend the afternoon and evening capturing the charm of Kotor town through your lens. Enjoy your welcome dinner together.

Begin the day with morning photography in Kotor town, with an option to climb the city walls for breathtaking panoramic views. Enjoy some free time before heading to Perast, a picturesque town on the Bay of Kotor. Take a scenic boat trip to the iconic Lady of the Rocks island, followed by dinner at a local restaurant. Return to Kotor for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, travel along one of the most scenic mountain roads in the region to Lovćen National Park. Visit the Njegoš Mausoleum, dedicated to Montenegro’s celebrated poet and leader, which offers extraordinary views (from 1,749 meters above sea level) of almost the entire country including the Bay of Kotor. Enjoy lunch in Cetinje, the former capital of Montenegro. In the afternoon, visit Budva or Sveti Stefan Island, capturing the scenic coastal views. Explore the old town and wrap up the day with evening photography along the coast. Overnight KOTOR (D; B, L or D two days)

May 13-15: Kotor – Durmitor National Park

Following breakfast, depart Kotor and take a picturesque route north toward Durmitor National Park. Make a morning stop in Perast to photograph the old town and islands illuminated by soft light. Leaving the coast, head into the mountains, arriving in Žabljak town in the afternoon to check into your hotel. Capture the golden hour and evening light on a mountain road in the heart of Durmitor National Park.

Spend two additional days exploring the wonders of Durmitor National Park and its surrounding landscapes. Visit the Black Lake, one of the park’s iconic landmarks, as well as some of the hidden, tranquil mountain lakes. Travel along the scenic mountain roads, where the only traffic might be herds of sheep and cows. Weather permitting, venture to viewpoints overlooking the Tara River Canyon – the deepest canyon in Europe and second only to the Grand Canyon globally – offering exceptional photo opportunities. Overnight DURMITOR NATIONAL PARK (B, L or D three days)

May 16-17: Biogradska Gora National Park

Head east to Biogradska Gora National Park, a hidden gem known for its serene lake and ancient virgin forests. If the weather allows, visit a nearby mountain plateau for stunning sunset views over the peaks. The intimate landscapes here provide countless opportunities for creative nature photography. Overnight KOLASIN (B, L or D two days)

 

May 18: Kolasin - Podgorica

After breakfast, leave the mountain wilderness of Biogradska Gora behind and make your way south to Podgorica. Along the way, stop at the Morača Monastery or visit the cathedral in Podgorica. In the afternoon, explore Lake Skadar, the largest lake in the Balkans. Depending on the conditions, either take a boat ride to capture the lake’s unique ecosystem or follow a scenic road for elevated views of the surrounding waters and mountains. Overnight airport hotel (B, L or D)

May 19: Podgorica - Home - or on to optional extension in Bosnia

Depart in time to check in for your flight home or extend your stay in Bosnia with Jeff and your local guide. (B)

Post-Trip Extension

Extension Name

Bosnia-Herzegoniva Extension

Price

$2595*

Dates

May 19-24, 2026

Duration

5 days

* Based upon minimum of 8 participants. There is a small group surcharge of $200 if 5-7 participants. Single room surcharge is $225.


Continue your stay with Jeff and local guide to an unforgettable experience. For photographers, Mostar and Sarajevo are must-visit gems. Mostar’s iconic Stari Most, with its stone arch spanning emerald waters, is a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture and a symbol of resilience. Wandering its cobbled streets reveals a tapestry of history, culture, and vibrant markets. Sarajevo, the “Jerusalem of Europe,” offers a unique blend of minarets, cathedrals, and synagogues coexisting in harmony. Its bustling bazaars, historic bridges, and lively streets provide endless opportunities for street photography and cultural storytelling. These two cities encapsulate the rich heritage and visual charm of Bosnia and Herzegovina, making them a paradise for photographers.

May 19-20: Podgorica-Sarajevo-Mt. Bjelasnica

We begin our journey in Sarajevo, capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Its old Turkish town mixes with Austro-Hungarian architecture creating an interesting mix of styles and photographic opportunities. One of the days we will capture sunrise from an elevated view, the cityscape, dotted with minarets, bell towers, and modern skyscrapers, is bathed in the morning sun. We have the opportunity to make an interesting trip out of Sarajevo. Mt. Bjelašnica, specifically to Lukomir village – one of the most authentic mountain shepherd villages in the Balkans. Here, we’ll photograph ancient tombstones known as Stećci, traditional stone houses, and shepherds tending to their daily life in the mountain Overnight SARAJEVO (B, L or D two days)

May 21-22: Mostar-Sarajevo-Mt. Bjelasnica

final opportunity to capture a few shots from Sarajevo’s Old Town before we continue south towards Mostar, one of the most picturesque towns in the Balkans. On the way we make a stop at Konjic or Jablanica towns for shorter photography stops and lunch. We’ll make our way to Mostar by afternoon, where we’ll have our first chance to explore the historic old town, just steps away from the iconic Ottoman bridge. We will have the opportunity to sample some of Bosnia’s traditional foods and capture the sunset above this Oriental city.

 The next begins with a sunrise photo session around the Old Bridge and Mostar’s historic old town. After breakfast, we’ll head to the nearby town of Blagaj, home to the breathtaking source of the Buna River. This magical spot features the river dramatically emerging from a cliffside, creating an idyllic scene for photography. Enhancing the setting is a nearby Ottoman Tekija, a unique architectural gem. The crystal-clear waters of the Buna are so pure they’re safe to drink. After lunch, we have the option to explore other nearby attractions, such as the historic town of Počitelj or the stunning Kravice Waterfalls. Alternatively, we may return to Mostar to climb the minaret for panoramic views of the

city. Overnight MOSTAR (B, L or D two days)

May 23: Podgorica

another morning photography session in the streets of Mostar. With some luck, we might even capture the daring jumpers who plunge from the bridge into the icy waters of the Neretva River, an 80-foot drop! Afterward, we say farewell to Bosnia and take a drive back to Podgorica for the overnight. Overnight PODGORICA (B, L or D)

May 24: Sarajevo-Home

After breakfast, you can take the hotel shuttle to the Podgorica airport to catch your flight home.