Montenegro – known as the ‘Black Pearl’ of the Balkans and the second youngest country in the world (being just three years old) – has been introduced into HF Holidays’ 2010 walking programme for the first time so that its guests can experience the country before it becomes a major tourist destination.

Discover the country’s outstanding scenery – untouched landscapes, dramatic mountains and a beautiful coastline – and culture on this seven-night guided walking holiday which offers the option of easier or harder walks.

Highlights include the mighty Kotor fjord – the southernmost fjord in the world – the alpine meadows of the Lovcen National Park and the ancient trails around Lake Skadar as well as a boat trip on the lake.

Available with departures in April, May, September and October, the cost is from £529 per person, land-only or from £659 inclusive of return Gatwick flights and transfers.

These twin-share prices include seven nights’ half-board accommodation at the four-star Hotel Rivijera – situated just 30m from the beach in the seaside town of Petrovac – the full programme of guided walks and the services of a walking guide. For more information and reservations, visit hfholidays.co.uk.

In travel sction of today’s Mirror, an article about skiing in Montenegro was published.

Under the title “Fill your ski-boots in Montenegro” , Sonja Newman introduces Montenegro as European skiing  destination. Here is an excerpt: ” With the ski season about to kick off – and holidaymakers still conscious of their spending – it’s an ideal time to check out the snowy slopes of Montenegro. The little country on the Adriatic has some of the best value ski holidays in Europe and also some of the most spectacular scenery…”

Beside introduction, there are also some great photos of winter resorts of Montenegro, including  Ski run at Zabljak, Bianca Resort in Kolasin, Hotel Lipka in Kolasin, Tara River Canyon..

Browse and book hotels on skiing slopes of Montenegro + see photos and read the whole article here

Here is an excerpt from the article: Michael Le Quesne, 16, was swimming off a popular beach in Montenegro with his parents and his ten-year-old sister Teodora when he spotted an odd looking ’stone’ at a depth of around two metres. It turned out to be a large, submerged building which may have been the centrepiece of an important Greek or Roman trading post, swallowed up by the sea during a massive earthquake. A British team of experts led by Dr Lucy Blue, presenter of BBC Two show ‘Oceans’, is to investigate the significant find in this largely unexplored corner of south east Europe…

Read the complete article here

The photo is accompanied with description of exciting rafting experince of Montenegro’s visitor Irena Kapeniece:

It was a five-week vacation: we spent two weeks in Montenegro where we explored the canyon and hiked the Durmitor mountain  and the rest of the time we were in Latvia. It was my first time white-water rafting, and I loved it. It was scary at first, but it got easier later. What I’ll remember most was the nature: the waterfalls, the snakes and the landscape of the mountains. I was impressed by the small insects with lights in the darkness, and the fog in the evenings on the river. And the water was so clean  you could see the bottom of the river, which was quite deep.

Hotel Splendid in Becici, Montenegro – which provided the backdrop to scenes in Casino Royale – has gained a new day spa.

The 3,000sq m Splendid Spa and Wellness Club opened on 9 November and is located in a separate wing of the hotel, overlooking the Adriatic sea.

Facilities include three indoor swimming pools, a bar, three relaxation lounges, terraces, two spa suites for treatments and 13 wellness apartments with whirlpools that are directly connected to the spa.

Designed by German architects Hauslauer, the Splendid Spa cost a total of 8m euro to build.

Treatments will use Elemis and Yves Saint-Laurent products and have been designed with a focus on nature in Montenegro. Signature therapies include a rose oil massage, a goat milk wrap, a hot chocolate massage, a Volcano energy steam experience and an algae dry float.

Hotel Splendid also boasts its own private beach and is situated within the Budva community on the Adriatic coast. (source : http://www.spaopportunities.com)

Montenegro is included in Lonely Planet’s Top-Pick Countries for 2008!

The list of  best countries to visit in 2008, Lonely Planet describes Montenegro as:

 ”Though some have called it ‘the new Croatia‘ (which was, you’ll remember, ‘the new Italy‘), Montenegro has an edge of its own. The sultry curve of its coastline is irresistible, and the sparkle of the Adriatic’s deep blue waters is as enticing to beach potatoes as the tall peaks of the snowy mountains are to activity-spurred travellers. ”

Other countries that are also include are Armenia,  Bhutan,  Eritrea,  Malaysia, Mozambique and Papua New Guinea. Check Lonley Planet’s list here

Hotel firm Uniqueworld praised the eastern European country for its natural beauty and range of activities for visitors.

In particular, the coastline along the Adriatic was singled out as a good place to visit, due to its “dramatic” scenery and “beautiful” sandy beaches.

The company added that Montenegro also offered good mountain ranges, lakes, national parks and valleys that offered activities for visitors all year round.

This could make the country a sound option for overseas property investors, as they may benefit from rental returns outside of the peak holiday season.

Furthermore, Montenegro was said to offer a good mix of historical attractions and modern amenities, making it suitable for both business and leisure travellers.

This comes after official figures cited by the Makfax news agency showed the number of holidaymakers visiting Montenegro between January and September was 20 per cent higher than at the same time last year.

For more info about investments in Montenegro visit http://www.ready2invest.co.uk/