Bar to Virpazar and Stari Bar: Private day trip
Private ride with a local driver
4h 30mRound tripPrivate driver
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About your trip
Combine Lake Skadar’s gateway village with the ancient ruins near Bar. Virpazar’s tranquil squares and easy lake viewpoint lead to Stari Bar’s hillside fortress, replete with centuries of history, all by car from modern Bar.
Exclusively yours: private vehicle and professional driver
Discover local insights you won't find in guidebooks
Experience the freedom to explore at your own speed
Perfectly planned for families, friends, or solo travelers
What to expect
Your day trip begins wherever you are
Meet our professional driver right where you prefer in Bar whenever suits you best. No time wasted getting to the pickup point, grab your bag and start your trip right away.Discover more with local expertise
Your driver’s local insights will set the tone for your day trip. A hidden café here, a must-try restaurant there; insider tips you’ll love sharing later. This isn’t a guided tour but your ride will be rich with stories and discoveries along the way. And throughout the day, your driver will be available for you as needed, ready to assist, happy to help, making your trip stress-free.Explore at your own pace
Expect 1 hour to Virpazar, then 20 minutes to Stari Bar. A private driver from Bar ensures you experience both the lakeside village and ancient fortress ruins at your own pace.
Perfect for any private group
Whether you're traveling solo, as a family with kids, or as a large group, this service is tailored for your comfort and flexibility. It's the ideal option especially if you have limited time or a busy schedule.Good to know
- Two-way private car transfer
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Personalized pickup and drop-off
- Professional English-speaking driver
- Complimentary bottled water
- Free cancellation 24 hours before departure
- Entry/Admission tickets to paid attractions Virpazar and Fortress Old Bar should be purchased separately unless specified otherwise
- Meals, snacks, and gratuity are not included
From €61
per person
Select date and travelers
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your pickup time.
For a group of 1-3 travelersTotal€183
Your trip at a glance
Your trip at a glance
Start in Bar
You choose the pickup spot.
1
Virpazar
Feel free to explore at your own pace and discover
Stop: 1 h 30 min - admission not included
Nestled on the edge of Lake Skadar, the charming village of Virpazar boasts picturesque natural scenery.
Main attractions
- Boat tours of nearby Lake Skadar to spot wildlife, enjoy breathtaking views, and visit a secluded island monastery
- Wine tastings in small family-owned wineries and restaurants in the village
- Kayaking and swimming around the lake's sparkling waters
Take note
- Most boat tours of Lake Skadar can be booked in the village and leave frequently in the summer months
2
Fortress Old Bar
Feel free to explore at your own pace and discover
Stop: 1 h 30 min - admission not included
This incredible open-air archaeological site features dramatic mountain views and historic ruins dating back to the 11th, 15th, and 17th centuries.
Main attractions
- Main fortress and surrounding walls, offering panoramic views across Bar and the surrounding mountains
- Preserved remnants of 17th-century Turkish Baths and churches, such as the Church of St. Katarina
- Charming cobblestone streets leading to the archaeological site, with local eateries and souvenir shops
Take note
- Bring sturdy walking shoes, sun protection, and plenty of water
- Anticipate some steep and uneven walkways (possibly unsuitable for those with limited mobility)
Back to Bar
We’ll take you back to your starting point.
Duration of the stops can be changed upon request after booking
Have questions or need help?Contact our Customer Support. We are available 24/7
Daytrip is loved all around the world. Here's why.
Know more about your day trip
Bar to Virpazar is about 16 miles (26 km) and takes approximately 1 hour by car, heading inland along the shore of Lake Skadar. The drive winds through hilly terrain with views over the lake, Montenegro's largest. From Virpazar, Stari Bar (Fortress Old Bar) is a further 6 miles (10 km), roughly 20 minutes by car.
The site involves steep and uneven cobblestone walkways and some unpaved paths, making it challenging for those with limited mobility. Sturdy walking shoes are a must for all visitors. The lower entrance area and immediate surroundings are more accessible, but fully exploring the ruins requires confident walking on irregular terrain. Water and sun protection are strongly recommended.
Stari Bar is generally open daily during daylight hours, with longer hours in summer. Entry fees are modest (around a few euros per adult) and are paid at the site. These fees are not included in the Daytrip price. It is a good idea to confirm current hours before your visit, as they can vary seasonally.
Stari Bar is a vast medieval hilltop fortress and archaeological site above the modern city of Bar. It was inhabited from the 9th century onward and contains ruins of over 240 structures, including remains of Turkish baths, churches, and residential buildings. The Church of St. Katarina is among the better-preserved structures. Entry to the site is charged separately.
Virpazar is a small lakeside village on the southern shore of Lake Skadar and one of the main gateways to the national park. In the village, visitors can take boat tours of the lake to spot wildlife and visit a secluded island monastery, sample local wines at family-run wineries, and enjoy kayaking or swimming. Boat tours depart frequently during summer and can be booked on arrival.
Spring (April to June) is excellent for Virpazar, with milder temperatures, lush scenery around the lake, and active birdlife. Stari Bar is pleasant to visit year-round, though summer can be very hot on the exposed hilltop site. Autumn is also a good option, with harvest season adding local color around the vineyards and olive groves near Bar.
Virpazar is known for its local wines produced from the Vranac grape, a dark red variety native to Montenegro. Several family wineries in and around the village offer tastings. Fresh lake fish from Lake Skadar is also a local specialty, often served grilled at village restaurants. Around Stari Bar, look for local olive oil produced from the area's ancient olive trees.
Lake Skadar is one of the most important bird habitats in Europe. The lake hosts large colonies of Dalmatian pelicans (one of the world's largest pelican species), cormorants, herons, and numerous migratory waterfowl. The surrounding wetlands and island monasteries are best explored by boat. Otters and various fish species also inhabit the lake.
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