Rijeka Crnojevica is a small but fascinating town that offers a surprising range of tours and experiences for travelers eager to explore Montenegro’s natural beauty and cultural richness. Its proximity to Lake Skadar, charming villages, and historical sites makes it an ideal base for excursions. We particularly like the private car excursions because they combine sightseeing with flexible itineraries, and the boat tours because they reveal the lake’s wild beauty from the water. If you’re into wine and local food, the culinary tours are a delightful way to taste Montenegro’s flavors.
For a well-rounded experience, you might consider the From Kotor: Private Car Excursion to Virpazar & Skadar Lake, which offers a personalized day exploring coastal villages and Skadar Lake’s wildlife, or the Lake Skadar Wine and Culinary Tour, for a flavorful dive into local autochthonous wines paired with farm-to-table dishes. For those interested in history and stunning vistas, the From Podgorica: Rijeka Crnojevica & Cetinje- History & Nature provides a mix of cultural insights and scenic views. And if you prefer a peaceful boat ride, the Lake Skadar: Exclusive Adventure with Local Captain Vasilije is perfect for nature lovers. Below, our detailed review of each will help you decide which experience suits you best.
1. From Kotor: Private Car Excursion to Virpazar & Skadar Lake
This private car tour from Kotor is a flexible way to explore Montenegro’s stunning landscapes. It includes visits to Virpazar, a tiny fishing village with a charming atmosphere, and a boat ride on Skadar Lake, the largest freshwater lake on the Balkan Peninsula. The lake was formed by collapsed caves, which makes its scenery particularly intriguing. You’ll also pass through Budva, known for its lively old town on the Adriatic, and Cetinje, the former royal capital with historical significance.
What sets this tour apart is the personal touch—your driver, Dino, isn’t a certified guide but shares interesting curiosities about the places you visit. The route offers spectacular views of Boka Bay and the rustic landscapes of Montenegro. The highlight for many travelers is the experience of cruising over Skadar Lake’s calm waters while soaking in the scenery. The tour lasts about 6 hours, making it perfect for a half-day exploration, especially if you want to combine sightseeing with a relaxed pace.
Bottom Line: This tour is ideal for travelers who prefer a private, customizable experience and want to see a blend of lake, coastal towns, and mountain vistas without the commitment of a full guided tour.
2. From Kotor: Lake Skadar Wine and Culinary Tour
For those who want to savor Montenegro’s flavors along with scenic views, the Lake Skadar Wine and Culinary Tour offers a 6-hour journey filled with tastings and local farm experiences. Starting in Kotor, you’ll travel to Cetinje, the historic royal capital, and then head toward Lake Skadar, which is also a National Park.
What makes this tour special is the focus on autocthonic wines crafted from native grape varieties, paired with organic, farm-fresh dishes. You’ll meet local winemakers and enjoy a slow food farm-to-table meal. The highlight is capturing the spectacular views at Pavlova Strana, where the lake’s winding rivers and lush surroundings create a perfect backdrop for photos. The tour includes stops for wine tastings and a traditional lunch, making it suitable for food lovers.
Guests consistently rate this experience 5/5, praising its intimate atmosphere and authentic taste of Montenegro. With a price of around $201 per person, it offers great value for a curated culinary adventure with cultural insights.
Bottom Line: Perfect for food and wine enthusiasts who appreciate scenic landscapes, this tour combines tasting with stunning views and cultural discovery.
3. From Podgorica: Rijeka Crnojevića & Cetinje – History & Nature
This 6-hour tour from Podgorica is ideal for travelers interested in Montenegro’s history, scenery, and cultural sites. It includes a visit to Rijeka Crnojevića, a picturesque town on the river, and the historic town of Cetinje, the former royal capital. You’ll stop at the Museum of King Nikola and enjoy panoramic views of Lake Skadar.
What makes this tour stand out is the detailed commentary and the relaxed pace—reviews highlight the guide Minos for making complex Montenegrin history engaging and accessible. The tour provides a good balance of nature and culture, with plenty of photo stops and opportunities to explore old settlements. The view of the lake from Pavlova Strana and the walk through Cetinje’s charming streets are memorable highlights.
This tour is perfect for history buffs and those who want a rundown of Montenegro’s past and scenic beauty without feeling rushed.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who want a mix of cultural insights and natural beauty, especially those interested in Montenegro’s royal history and scenic vistas.
4. Lake Skadar: Exclusive Adventure with Local Captain Vasilije
If your idea of fun involves being on the water, this exclusive boat trip with Captain Vasilije is an excellent choice. Lasting about 1.5 hours, it’s a peaceful cruise that takes you through Skadar Lake’s quiet corners, away from crowds. Captain Vasilije, a local expert, shares insights about the rare bird species and local wildlife, making it both an educational and relaxing experience.
What makes this tour stand out is the small-group format and the chance to capture stunning photographs of the lake’s waterways and lush landscapes. Many reviews highlight how serene the experience is—perfect for nature lovers wanting a quiet escape. Refreshments are included, adding comfort to the journey.
This tour is ideal for those short on time but eager to experience Skadar Lake’s natural beauty directly from the water, guided by someone who knows its secrets.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers seeking a peaceful, intimate boat ride with a knowledgeable captain in a short time frame.
5. Skadar Lake Boat Tour with Transfer from Podgorica
For a quick and straightforward introduction to Skadar Lake, this 1-hour boat tour from Podgorica is a solid option. The tour includes transportation, a boat ride, and a guide to help you spot local bird species. It’s perfect for those short on time but eager to get a taste of Lake Skadar’s natural environment.
The trip is praised for its convenience and the professional handling of all logistics, allowing you to focus on the scenery. It’s less about extensive exploration and more about a quick scenic escape on the water.
This experience suits travelers with limited time or those who want to add a boat ride to a broader Montenegro itinerary.
Bottom Line: A good short option for a quick scenic experience, especially if transportation convenience is a priority.
6. Skadar Lake: cruise & lunch in the Fortress (from Podgorica)
This full-day experience combines a boat cruise on Skadar Lake with a lunch in a historic fortress in Virpazar. Starting from Podgorica, the tour takes you through Skadar Lake National Park, where you can observe wildlife and birdwatch. After the cruise, enjoy a panoramic lunch in a fortress overlooking the lake, offering a taste of Montenegrin tradition and history.
What makes this tour stand out is the combination of nature, history, and cuisine. The boat cruise lasts about 2 hours, and the lunch in the fortress provides ample time to relax and enjoy local specialties. The tour also includes transportation and a guide, making it a hassle-free full-day option.
Reviews emphasize the quality of the exclusive lunch and the stunning lake scenery. It’s a particularly good choice for travelers wanting a comprehensive day trip that mixes outdoor activity with culture.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want a full-day, immersive experience with scenic boat cruising, local food, and historical ambiance.
How to Choose Your Perfect Rijeka Crnojevica Experience
When selecting your tour, consider your interests, time available, and budget. If you want a private, relaxed day exploring coastal villages and lakeside scenery, the From Kotor: Private Car Excursion is a solid choice. For foodies, the Wine and Culinary Tour offers a delicious taste of Montenegro’s traditional flavors. Those interested in history and panoramic views will find the Cetinje & Rijeka Crnojevića tour perfect, while nature lovers should consider the Vasilije’s boat adventure.
For a quick yet scenic escape, the Podgorica boat tour is suitable, but if you want a full-day experience with a meal, the cruise and lunch in the fortress is unbeatable.
Booking early is advisable, especially for popular tours like the wine and culinary trip, which often sell out. Consider your travel style—whether private and customized or group and scheduled—to pick the experience that fits best.
From scenic lakeside drives, historical towns, and delicious wine tastings to peaceful boat rides, Rijeka Crnojevica and its surroundings offer a versatile set of tours. Whether you’re into culture, cuisine, or nature, there’s an experience waiting that will make your trip memorable. Don’t hesitate to book ahead—these adventures fill quickly, especially during high season.