Family Holiday in the Balkans: Croatia and Montenegro

Stay in the heart of the National Park, just one-and-a-half miles from the famous Black Lake. Outdoor activities are part of the experience, of course. There is lots of wildlife to be seen. If you can't find the larger mammals that inhabit the region, such as bears, wolves and chamois, the birds such as daytime gliders, golden eagles, Egyptian vultures and griffon vultures are easier to spot swirling in the sky.
Included in the itinerary - A day rafting on the Tara River. The Tara River, which runs through the park, has formed one of Europe's deepest gorges at 4300ft deep. You'll go down the river in a rubber dinghy with a private instructor, the descent is exciting and you'll immediately land in the 'Balkan bath'. Exploring the rapids that run between the steep hillsides, the large and foamy jets, the caves, the small beaches, the swerving, the cries and laughter - the day is full of emotions that will make for amazing stories in the evening. Rest assured though that your adventure is in a controlled environment and you are in safe the hands of the pros, and all of the equipment is provided by the organisation.

Drive to Buljarica. Stay for three peaceful nights in a beautiful, large, bright house surrounded by greenery. The terrace looks out over the bay and offers a view of rocky masses covered in scrub land and blue sea. The nearest stretch of beach is just a few minutes walk away and there is a swimming pool in the garden. The interior decor is modern and accommodating. Every morning breakfast is left outside the bedroom door in a basket.

Nearby to the west is the sparkling, azure Adriatic Sea and lying approximately nine miles to the east is Lake Skadar. To enjoy a classic day at the seaside, be sure to bring your swimsuit, towel, snorkel mask, bucket and spade, glasses, snacks and sun scream. If you fancy trying some of the local cuisine, head to a restaurant in the town to grab some börek, cevapcici, smoked ham, grilled fish, aubergines and peppers.
Included in the itinerary - Private cruise on Lake Skadar. This spot offer sensational birding during the migration season, including eagles, gulls, whistling ducks, singing swans, barking knights and more. The largest lake in the Balkans is a paradise for ornithologists, whether they are professionals or brand new to the hobby. You'll have a skipper to drive the motorboat for you, so that you can enjoy the surrounding landscape. There is a stop off at a spot where passengers can taste local specialities, such as carp.

Head to Lustica at the entrance of the Bay of Kotor. Spend three nights in one of the traditional houses. The surroundings are filled with the fragrance of olive trees, pomegranate trees and bay trees. The spacious apartment comes with a kitchenette, bathroom and lounge as well as the bedroom so you'll have plenty of living space; plus a balcony where you can look out over the sea. At the restaurant it's all about organic ingredients and seasonal recipes; the region has come under many influences and this is reflected in the food. There are two swimming pools for you to relax in with the sound of cicada insects in the background. The nearest beach is just under three miles away, or head a little further out for a longer walk or hike to discover a lush countryside, quiet fishing villages and discreet coves.

Included in the itinerary - Kayaking in the Bay of Kotor. Kotor's bay is incredibly beautiful, with huge expanses of water stretching out before you, reflecting the towering mountains. We have reserved fully equipped kayaks in Kotor, so that all you have to do is turn up and grab your vests and paddle, ready for an adventure. Along the coast there are villages, churches and monasteries. Ancient and numerous religious foundations dot the perimeter of the bays. Stop off whenever somewhere catches your eye, and you want to go to shore to explore or go swimming.

A tour of the bays and inland hikes offer some nice surprises. The small towns of Herceg Novi, Risan and Perast tell of their maritime past and hide secret corners where visitors can share an octopus salad, baklava or pomegranate syrup. In the village of Baosici, south-east of Herceg Novi, guests can see the house where the author Pierre Loti lived and fell in love with Pasquala Ivanovich, a young Montenegrin woman. There aren't many cars in Cetinje - the historical capital of the country - and Lovcen Park, so you'll have the roads to yourself as you drive from Kotor to the summit of Mount Lovcen and look out over the Dinaric Alps. Kotor is distinguished by its medieval centre and miles of city walls, and the abundance of art and history has been bringing visitors here for years.

Head to Korcula and celebrate the start of your time in Croatia with a plate of mussels in Ston on the Peljesac peninsula, before taking a short ferry ride from Orebic. Spend three nights south of the harbour, in a large hotel. Rooms are spacious, modern and light, and the restaurant serves Croatian cuisine and international dishes. Outside guests can enjoy the swimming pool, a beautiful view of the city and the sea, and deckchairs for lounging; plus a game of tennis on the two clay tennis courts. It's just a three minute walk to the beach and water sports.

This beach is perfect for lazy days under the sun, but Korcula also has plenty of activities for you to get involved in. As it's said to be the birthplace of Marco Polo, a visit to his supposed family home is a must. Although it dates back to the 15th century rather than the 13th and some historians have expressed reservations about its authenticity, it's still fun to imagine that you are in the centre of one of Marco Polo's books. The enchanting old town is surrounded by walls. In St. Mark's Square, the Renaissance facades surround the cathedral at the beautiful Venetian gate. In the countryside there are, of course, vines and olive trees. There is also scrub land and a beautiful forest canopy of pine trees, green oaks, juniper trees which create an intoxicating perfume.
Included in the itinerary - A private sailing trip. For a day in the archipelago, you'll embark on a Tofinou 9.5, an elegant and manoeuvrable small sailboat that is ideal for this type of day out. During your sailing trip, soak up the Mediterranean charm of the landscapes. When stopping in the creeks, you'll put on a snorkelling mask and slip into the transparent water and see if you can spot some marine life. In the open water the dolphins frequently come near to swim beside the boat.

Head to Dubrovnik where you'll return the car. Enjoy three-night stay south of Lapad in a beautiful, modern establishment. The light enters the rooms through the large bay windows, and the room opens onto a balcony overlooking the sea. There are lots of facilities for families. There are common areas to relax in, an outdoor swimming pool, gym and a spa complete with an indoor pool, sauna and three treatment rooms. When the sun is shining, eating on the terrace is a must, as you sample the chefs Croatian and Mediterranean cuisine. The beach is only a two minute walk away. A little further south, the trails of Velika and Mala Petka Forest Park are perfect for lovely walks in the shade.

Included in the itinerary - A private visit to Old Dubrovnik. The battlements of the former Republic of Ragusa is home to an exceptional city museum and you will have the opportunity to discover it with your private guide before having a chance to look around on your own. Visit the convent of the Franciscan Order - a Romanesque wonder of the 14th century which houses an old and respected apothecary - plus the old Sephardic synagogue from the same era which is still in operation, and the moving Gothic-Renaissance St Saviour's church that dates back to the 16th century. You should also vist the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin from the 17th to 18th centuries, regarded as one of the most beautiful expression of Roman Baroque art in the eastern Adriatic.

You'll find that Dubrovnik's charm is endless and that there are always interesting things and places to explore. The large Onofrio della Cava fountain (1438) is connected to an aqueduct and is an example of the evolution of the municipal water supply system in the area. The water flows out of the mouths of sixteen carved mascarons. The funicular railway here was one of the major local attractions during the last 20th century and it has now returned to service after a lengthy restoration. It takes visitors to an altitude of 1,300ft in four minutes, giving a superb view of the city. The setting is ideal for a drink, so grab a glass of Grk - a locally-grown white wine - for parents, and sok (juice) for children to enjoy on Mount Srd as the sun sets over the Adriatic.