Tara & Moraca Canyons tour from Podgorica: Two national parks

Taste traditional Montenegrin flavors while wandering ancient forests and glacial lakes

A private full-day tour from Podgorica connects two of Montenegro's deepest canyons (Moraca and Tara) with Durmitor and Biogradska Gora national parks, visiting an 8-century monastery, a primeval European forest, and two glacial lakes. The tour includes park entry, monastery entrance, and air-conditioned transport with an English-speaking guide. It covers roughly 10 to 11 hours and suits all fitness levels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore canyons, lakes, and national parks

• Visit Moraca River canyon viewpoint
• Tour historic Moraca monastery
• Walk around Biogradska Gora primeval forest
• Explore Biogradsko Lake trail
• View Tara River canyon and touch water
• Admire black pine trees in Tara canyon
• Relax at Black Lake in Durmitor

The experience

You start 30 minutes from Podgorica at the Moraca River Canyon, a 30 km gorge carved up to 1000 meters deep, where you stop mid-canyon to look at the steep cliffs and the river's clear, cold water. The canyon holds one of Europe's few remaining wild rivers, and the monastery that sits beside it, 8 centuries old, contains some of the most significant frescoes and icons in the Balkans. Entry to both is included.

About 90 km from Podgorica, Biogradska Gora National Park opens onto one of only three primeval forests left in Europe. You walk a mild 3.3 km loop around Biogradsko Lake, surrounded by black pine and spruce trees that reach 60 meters tall and are 400 to 500 years old. The air shifts noticeably here, denser, quieter, older. From there the route pushes into the Tara River Canyon, where you can touch the river's green water and watch the black pines rise from the canyon walls. The famous Tara ridge rises 160 meters above the gorge, and for anyone interested, one of Europe's longest zip lines runs across the canyon.

The day ends at Black Lake, the largest of Durmitor's 18 glacial lakes, sitting at 1500 meters above sea level. It actually consists of two lakes that separate in dry season and reconnect the rest of the year. Benches ring the lake, and the dense coniferous forest closes in around you: a place to sit and absorb what the day held. Swimming is possible if you choose it, though it is at your own risk.

What’s included

• Moraca monastery entrance.
• Durmitor National Park tickets.
• Biogradska Gora National Park tickets.
• air-conditioned vehicle throughout.
• English-speaking guide.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30Last departure this season: 15 Nov

AgesAdult (5 to 90 years) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 42 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by Natour Montenegro travel agency

Is this one for you?Book this if you have a full day and want to see both national parks and canyons in one trip. The mix of driving, short walks, and viewing means you cover major landscapes without needing climbing skills.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

How far is Podgorica from the Moraca Canyon, and what makes it worth stopping there?

The Moraca River Canyon is 30 minutes from Podgorica and stretches roughly 30 km long with cliffs up to 1000 meters high. The stop is positioned mid-canyon so you see the steep rock walls and the river's clear, cold water. The Moraca is one of the few wild rivers still flowing freely in Europe.

What is the Biogradska Gora forest, and how long does the walk around the lake take?

Biogradska Gora National Park holds one of only three primeval forests remaining in Europe. The walk around Biogradsko Lake is a mild 3.3 km loop through forest where the trees reach 60 meters tall and are 400 to 500 years old, creating a quiet, sheltered space under dense canopy.

What can you do at the Tara River Canyon?

At the Tara River Canyon you can touch the river's green water, walk along the gorge to see the black pine trees rising from the canyon walls, and view the Tara ridge, which rises 160 meters above the gorge. For adventure seekers, one of Europe's longest zip lines crosses the canyon.

What is Black Lake, and where does the tour end?

Black Lake is the largest of Durmitor's 18 glacial lakes, sitting at 1500 meters above sea level. It actually consists of two lakes that separate in dry season and reconnect the rest of the year. The tour ends here, where benches around the lake let you rest in the shade of the surrounding forest.

What does the tour include, and how long does it take?

The tour includes entry to Moraca monastery, tickets to both Durmitor and Biogradska Gora national parks, and air-conditioned transport with an English-speaking guide. The full day runs 10 to 11 hours and is suitable for all fitness levels.