When in Montenegro
Bar, embrace a bit of history, nature and diversity
Another thing that this land is proud of is its 2,500 years adored and sacred Old Olive Tree, known to locals as, Stara Maslina. There are over 100,000 olive trees in the Bar area, many of which have seen more than a millennium. Old Olive Tree is possibly the oldest tree in continental Europe and one of the oldest of its species in the world. We’ll find out together why does it have an aura of holiness, who brought olive growing culture here, and what is so special about the place where this tree proudly stands?
When in Montenegro, visit Bar to see in person this beautiful Old Olive Tree, and to feel the diversity this town has to offer that is mostly unknown for many tourists and locals.
Barska nadbiskupija (Archdiocese of Bar)
We will start this tour by visiting the Archdiocese of Bar, the oldest religious institution in Montenegro, established in 1089. A walk through its park, entry via baroque-style church of St.Nicholas, and the elegant archbishop’s palace that were built in the 20th century. After the visit we head to Old Bar but in a non-ordinary way. To arrive there, we choose a different path that leads us to the main entrance of the fortress. It’s about a 10-minute walk, which offers beautiful views of the sea, churches, olive groves, the canyon and the fortress, and then we arrive in front of this majestic fortress.
Stari Bar (Old Bar) and church of St. John the Baptist
The most important old urban settlement in Montenegro is Old Bar. A four hectares town in ruins with its stone buildings, churches, passages, stairways stand proudly between mountains 4 km away from city center. It is the largest open-air museum in the Balkans with a hidden cache of items from past times (jewelry, pots, religious symbols, eating implements, tools, ceramics) inscriptions and carvings in stone, uneven ground trampled by many people, altars, rock walls and many more.
Expect to see a medieval fortress that was inhabited by many civilizations and dynasties with the remains of about 250 buildings. You will find yourself in this gripping open-air museum, wandering between medieval walls as you walk past the Venetian customs house, the Turkish hammam, the Clock Tower, the Žaretić family palace, the aqueduct- the only example of such building in Montenegro. We will enter in orthodox church of St.John the Baptist and admire its iconostasis and surroundings and visit the archeological museum to better understand the glorious past of this town
Škanjević mosque and dervish house
Having visited this medieval treasure, we continue our journey as we visit the Škanjević mosque from the mid XVIII century and dervish house. We will stop for some refreshments and indulge in conversations with dervishes.
Kaldrma
Then we’ll walk in Turkish-influenced street, known to locals as Kaldrma. It is a colorful reminder of the melding of cultures here. In 1571 the Ottoman Turks captured the town and ruled for the next 300 years. This has lent the town a more oriental flavour then the northern coast of Montenegro. You’ll see minarets mixed with churches and the town is multi-ethnic. Here, you can have a lunch break. You can choose to have a lunch break in either nature (in the canyon) or by the fortress wall in this main street known as Kaldrma. Afterall, we created this trip to suit your style, taste and budget. If you choose to have a lunch by the fortress walls, there are many authentically local restaurants with traditional foods, homemade juices, domestic liquors, wines and many more. We promise that you won’t be disappointed.
Bunar Canyon and White Scale
Back on the road as we move towards one of the five canyons in the Municipality of Bar. Photo stop as we admire many waterfalls on our way. If you want to have a lunch with spectacular views of the sea, mountains, canyon, and enjoy casual local cuisine with welcome drink, we will stop at White Scale. Our chef, who has a natural talent for cooking food, will meet us there and show us how it’s done in a typical house of this region where you can be one with nature.
Rope Swing and "Turčini" bar
After our lunch, we will rest in Turčini village and enjoy drinks in the nearby wooden bar ‘’Turčini’’. Kind owners with a great music taste will wait for you in a calm atmosphere where you can choose between Montenegrin beer, liquors, homemade juices, turkish coffe (a type of drink that helps my people get through the day 😉) and many more. There is a major attraction of this tour, a fun rope swing that is located by a river and attached to a tree. You can swing on it and (if the weather allows) jump into the water. Many people associate rope swings with the summertime and childhood, so give your inner child a chance to have fun!
Stara Maslina - Old Olive Tree
On our way back, we’ll finish this tour visiting above mentioned Old Olive Tree, to better understand its importance in Bar Municipality. The value of this Old Olive Tree is priceless because it proves the existence of ancient civilizations on this soil. We’ll do our best to finish telling the story of Bar with the symbol of this town! After this visit, return to our meeting point and the end of this tour.
Duration
7 hours
Difficulty
Moderate walking
Language
English, Italian, Spanish, Montenegrin
What makes it special?
- For hiking lovers, possibility of hiking tour in the canyon, around 6km distance, 3km uphill and other 3km downhill.
- Visiting sacral objects of all 3 religious communities that adorn this little town
- A minimal time spent in transport
- No traffic jams
- No waiting in lines
- Visiting the only open dervish house in Montenegro
- You’ll see the only aqueduct in Montenegro
What's included?
- Licensed Tour Guide
- Transportation
- Entrance fees for Old Town and Old Olive Tree
What's not included?
- Individual costs
- All meals and drinks
Pricing
1 person
219 €
2 persons
246 €
3 persons
282 €
4 persons
304 €
Discount
20% off for children under 12 years
Book now
Please note
WHAT TO BRING?
- Hiking shoes
- Casual clothes
- Local money € / cash (not all beautiful places on this tour accept card payment)
MEETING POINT
Our meeting point will be at Topolica Sports Hall in Bar. You can request a pickup from any destination in Bar for free.
*If you’re in another town and don’t feel like coming to a meeting place, inform us and we’ll start this tour where it suits you. No additional charge for transportation will be for Uclinj and Virpazar. Additional charge will be for all other towns. *
PERSONAL INFO
You will have to send us your passport or ID information 24 hours before the start of this tour.
LUGGAGE
Only back packs and travel bags allowed, for bigger luggage contact us.
ANIMALS
Only small size pets allowed. It is important to inform us about your pet before the tour.
LANGUAGE
The tour can be bilingual or trilingual (English, Italian and Spanish) which is a perfect chance for you to have a cultural exchange in Montenegro.