Get to know Serbia’s natural, historical, and cultural heritage in only ten days, on a well-paced trip, with plenty of time to see everything and have a complete experience. From Vojvodina province and the beautiful city of Novi Sad in the north, all the way down to Niš, the birthplace of Constantin The Great in the south, and from Tara National Park in the west to Đerdap National Park and the mighty Danube on the east, Serbia is full of majestic attractions waiting to be discovered. It’s all covered with this itinerary. Taste the food, meet the locals, learn about Roman, Serbian, Ottoman, and Austro-Hungarian heritage, admire UNESCO sites, and enjoy scenic views. By the way, Serbia is a secret… explore it before everyone does.
ITINERARY
Day 1 Welcome to Belgrade
Arrival at “Nikola Tesla “International Airport.
Regardless of your arrival time on day 1 of the tour, we’ll wait for you at the airport. Our guide will meet you in the arrivals hall with your name on the signboard. In case your flight is delayed, there is no reason to worry. We will monitor your flight, and our guide will meet you accordingly. There are no additional charges for flight delays.
After a short ride of 20 minutes, you’ll be in the city’s center. Check in at the hotel, take the rest of the day to get more familiar with Belgrade, walk around, or follow your guide’s recommendation for dinner.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you are arriving in Belgrade a few days before the tour departure, you can book additional nights with us at the same hotel for a surcharge of 40€ (Standard package), 60€ (Superior package), or 80€ (Premium package). Prices are per person, per night, in a double or twin room.
Overnight: Belgrade
Day 2 Belgrade city tour, free afternoon & optional Bohemian night
Breakfast. After breakfast, we’ll start with our Belgrade sightseeing tour. Today we’re going to show you almost the most important sights in the city.
We’ll start at the daunting Belgrade Fortress, dramatically perched above the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. Built between the 1st and 18th centuries, this Fortress witnessed major defensive battles. We’ll check the Victor Monument, the Monument of Gratitude to France, the Zindan Gate, the Chapel of Saint Petka, the Clock Gate, and the Clock Tower.
Once we finish with the Fortress, we will start our panoramic ride through New Belgrade – Belgrade’s largest municipality, with its impressive modern architecture. Here we will see some remarkable buildings, such as the Ex-Central Committee of the Communist Party, Federal Executive Council, also known as the Palace of Federation, Genex Tower or Western Gate of Belgrade, Sava Center, Belgrade Arena, and many more.
After New Belgrade, we’ll reach Zemun, the northern area of Belgrade, characteristic of its Central European appearance, charming quarters, cobblestone streets, and fish restaurants on the Danube river banks. Its curvy cobblestone streets and small houses will give you the impression that Zemun is a melting pot of Mediterranean and Middle European cultures.
After Zemun, we’ll drive through Dedinje, Belgrade’s most luxurious residential area, before we reach the imposing Saint Sava Temple, one of the world’s largest Orthodox churches.
After the sightseeing tour, time this afternoon on your own. Maybe check out Nikola Tesla’s museum and the National Museum, or wander around the central streets.
In the evening, visit the Old Bohemian Quarter of Skadarlija, frequently compared to Montmartre in Paris, both in appearance and its artistic atmosphere. It’s a perfect opportunity to get more familiar with traditional Serbian cuisine and the famous Belgrade nightlife. (Optional = 30€ per person)
Overnight: Belgrade
Day 3 Northern Serbia: Novi Sad & Sremski Karlovci
After breakfast, we shall make a trip to the City of Novi Sad. On our way to the second-largest city in Serbia, we shall stop at the nearby town of Sremski Karlovci, the center of Serbian culture in the 18th century. Strolling through this picturesque town’s cobbled streets will lead us to the first Serbian High School, which gave Serbian people several great writers and poets. Along the way, we shall pay a visit to the Old Patriarch’s Court and theological complex – Assembly Church and Theological lyceum. Being in the very heart of the famous wine region, why not visit one of the well-respected wine cellars? We’ll try Bermet wine, the most famous product in the area.
Our next stop is the second-largest fortress on the Danube river – Petrovaradin, one of the most important strategic points in the perpetual war between the Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman Empires. We shall be introduced to the legends of underground passages before we continue to “Serbian Athens”, as the City of Novi Sad is known.
As we stroll among great cultural institutions and historic buildings, we shall visit the oldest part of Novi Sad, the Zmaj Jovina pedestrian zone. Here we shall get introduced to the rich history of Novi Sad as we see the monument to Svetozar Miletic, the famous Novi Sad Cathedral, Episcopal Church… After our sightseeing, we will enjoy a traditional Serbian three-course lunch in one of the most famous restaurants in the area. (not included). Enjoy your free afternoon and discover Novi Sad independently. Return to Belgrade. Free time.
Overnight: Novi Sad
Day 4 Western Serbia: The House on Drina river, Šargan Eight train & The Wooden Town
After breakfast, it’s time to hit the road toward Western Serbia, known for its wild and untouched nature, tasty cuisine, and friendly and hospitable people. Our first stop is a world-famous attraction, “The House on Drina” – an isolated house made of logs on a river stone.
After a photo stop and refreshments, we will continue our trip to the famous Šargan Eight. A unique narrow-gauge railway nowadays serves only for amusement. We will pass and stop at several viewpoints during our ride, from which one can see fabulous views over Mokra Gora. Authentic cars with wooden seats, wood-burning stoves, and characteristic rattling sounds will take us back to 1925 when this railway was put into operation.
The next stop is Wooden Town. The famous director Emir Kusturica (two times Palme d’Or in Cannes winner) decided to build it during the shooting of his film “Life is a Miracle.” He chose to convey ruined wooden chalets from the mountain’s slopes, restore them, and form a new settlement.
After we have fed our eyes and souls with beauty, we will finish our day in Kraljeve Vode, the tourist center of Zlatibor mountain. The region of Zlatibor is famous for its healthy air, folk architecture, native culture and traditions, wealthy and diverse ethnic heritage, widely-renowned culinary specialties, healthy food, and balmy climate. After the check-in, you’ll have free time to enjoy and relax.
Overnight: Zlatibor
Day 5 Western Serbia: Zlatibor Mountain, Uvac Special Nature Reserve & Sirogojno Ethno village
Breakfast. Departure from Zlatibor in the morning and transfer to Uvac Special Natural Reserve.
After only one hour of driving, we’ll find ourselves in the pure beauty of Uvac Canyon. For centuries, the Uvac River has been making its way through the mountains, leaving deep meanders and creating caves that attract many tourists. If we’re lucky, we’ll get a chance to see the mighty griffon vulture, whose population in Uvac is the largest in Europe. The bird’s wingspan is about 3 m, and it can weigh up to 11 kg, thus making it the largest bird in Serbia.
We will take a boat trip and follow the river as it twists and turns through the impressive landscape. We’ll not leave the Reserve before taking some fantastic photos from the viewpoints overlooking the canyon.
After this exceptional experience, the tour will return to Zlatibor and visit Sirogojno, a village famous for its ethnological museum and ‘Sirogojno sweaters’ made of raw wool. You will see the Ethnological exposition of the open-air museum known as the Old Village before heading back to the hotel. Free time.
OPTIONAL: Lunch break (not included in the price) in “Pećinar” restaurant, in the Ljubiš village. This is a very old and well-known restaurant serving exclusively traditional Serbian food. They offer only a few dishes, but they are all homemade, prepared, and served with love. All the pies are made only after your order, and depending on the season, you will get different salads with home-grown seasonal vegetables. Their fresh-squeezed juices are amazing, especially one made of raspberries.
IMPORTANT NOTE 1: If you want to see the viewpoints, there are around 25 minutes of hiking uphill. It’s not recommended for older, overweight, or people with any walking disabilities. Another option is to sit in the boat while the rest of the group returns from the photo session at the viewpoints.
Important note 2: In case of bad weather or insufficient water level for the cruise to be conducted, we’ll replace the cruise with a jeep ride to the beautiful viewpoints.
Overnight: Zlatibor
Day 6. Central Serbia: Studenica & Žiča monasteries
This day is reserved for the “Valley of the Kings,” where the medieval Serbian state was founded. Our first stop is Studenica Monastery, located in a lovely landscape. Studenica is one of the most valuable and significant monasteries of the Serbian Orthodox Church. It is the second Serbian monument to be included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage in 1986.
We will continue with our trip, and our next stop will be Žiča monastery. Žiča has great significance for the history of the Serbian people and their churches. The first archbishop of the autonomous Serbian Church, Saint Sava, here crowned his brother as a king and ordained the bishops of the newly-founded dioceses. We will end the day in Vrnjača Banja (spa ), or in “The Queen of Serbian spas,” as it is often called. Walk around the beautiful park and promenade to end the day in a relaxing and calming manner.
Overnight: Vrnjačka Banja spa
Day 7. Southern Serbia: Niš
Today, we will visit the birthplace of the famous Roman Emperor, Constantine the Great, the city of Niš.
First, we will visit the Niš Fortress, lying on the bank of the Nišava River. It assumed its final shape in 1723 when the Turks built it, facing the end of their reign in this area. We will continue our sightseeing of the most important sights in the city, including the Banovina Building, Niš Liberators Monument at King Milan Square, The Monument of well-known Serbian writer Stevan Sremac, Mediana Archeological Site, and the infamous Skull Tower – the monument unique in the world, erected by the Turks as an example to others of the folly of opposition to their rule.
We will conclude our sightseeing with a visit to Red Cross Nazi Concentration Camp, today a museum. The German Gestapo operated the camp and held captured Jews, Serbians, and Romas during the Second World War. We’ll enjoy some of the food that Niš is famous for before we continue our trip to Eastern Serbia and Kladovo. Use this afternoon to relax in the hotel’s pool or walk around and enjoy the beautiful nature.
Overnight: Kladovo
Day 8 Eastern Serbia: Golubac Fortress & Iron Gate Gorge
From Kladovo, we continue further through the very east of Serbia, along its border with Romania.
We’ll start our exploration with a boat ride through the famous Iron Gate gorge. We’ll check the Tabula Traiana, a Roman memorial plaque from the Ist century erected to mark the end of road construction. After the boat ride, we will stop at a unique, authentic restaurant with a fantastic view overlooking the Danube to enjoy a traditional lunch made of specialties of the cuisine of Eastern Serbia (not included).
Following this, we will reach our next stop – Lepenski Vir. The early settlement of Lepenski Vir was first uncovered in 1965. The works brought to light sacred architecture and monumental sculptures from one of the oldest Danube cultures, dating back to 7,000-6,000 BC, also marking the beginning of Europe’s civilization.
Our last stop for the day is the Golubac fortress. This defensive complex was used to defend many kingdoms through the centuries. Golubac is the perfect fairy-tale castle, wonderfully set off by its location in the rugged landscape at the head of Đerdap Gorge.
There are nine towers in all, each between 20 and 25m high. With the fortress’s interesting position leaning over the Danube, they make Golubac undoubtedly one of the most beautiful castles along the 2850km Danube odyssey from source to the Black Sea.
We’ll arrive in Belgrade in the evening
Overnight: Belgrade
Day 9 Belgrade: Leisure day
This is your last day in Serbia, so use it to slowly and leisurely see more of Serbia’s capital. Perhaps you can visit the Zemun neighborhood, the most charming quarter of Belgrade. You’ll love it for its Central European appearance, cobblestone streets, and fish restaurants on the banks of the Danube River.
Another option is to visit some of Belgrade’s most famous museums: the National Museum or Nikola Tesla’s Museum, or maybe the House of Flowers, the Memorial to the late Marshal Tito, leader of Yugoslavia, for over 40 years.
If you are a nature lover, check out some of the jewels of “Green Belgrade,” such as Ada Ciganlija Lake, Košutnjak Forest, or The Botanical Garden.
In the evening, have dinner in some of the restaurants with a view of the Sava and Danube rivers, and say farewell to Serbia.
Overnight: Belgrade
Day 10 Depart Belgrade & Serbia
Breakfast. Free time until your flight. Transfer to the airport for your departure flight. End of services.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you are departing from Belgrade a few days after the tour end, you can book additional nights with us, at the same hotel, for a surcharge of 40€ (Standard package), 60€ (Superior package), or 80€ (Premium package). Prices are per person, per night, in a double or twin room. If you decide to extend your stay, your departure transfer will still be included.
Prices per person, 01.04. – 29.10.2024.
PACKAGE | in a double / twin room | in a triple room | in a single room |
STANDARD | 1,850 € | 1,550 € | 3,650 € |
SUPERIOR | 2,000 € | 1,650 € | 3,850€ |
PREMIUM | 2,150 € | 1,750 € | 4,000 € |
HIGHLIGHTS
PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- 4 nights with breakfast in a chosen category centrally located hotel in Belgrade
- Standard package: Nobel Palace, Mark, Royal Inn, Prag, or similar
- Superior package: Belgrade Art, Mercure Excelsior, Moskva, or similar
- Premium package: Metropol Palace, Hyatt Regency, Hilton, or similar
- 1 night with breakfast in a 4* hotel in Novi Sad (Planeta Inn, Centar, or similar)
- 2 nights with breakfast in a 4* centrally located hotel on Zlatibor (Central Inn, Iris, Maša, Mir, Mona, or similar)
- 1 night with breakfast in a 4* hotel in Vrnjačka Banja spa (Slatina, Zepter, or similar)
- 1 night with breakfast and dinner in a 4* hotel in Kladovo (Aquastar or similar)
- Arrival & departure airport transfers
- Sightseeing per the given itinerary in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle
- Services of English-speaking tour guide throughout
- Tour organization and 24/7 support from a licensed incoming tour operator
- Wine tasting during the trip to Novi Sad
NOT INCLUDED:
- Arrival and departure flights
- Food & drinks (except for breakfast in the hotels)
- Šargan Eight train ticket: 10€ per person
- Wooden Town entrance fee: 2€ per person
- Uvac Lake boat cruise: 20€ per person
- Sirogojno Ethno Village entrance fee = 2€ per person
- Lepenski Vir museum entrance fee: 4€ per person
- Golubac Fortress entrance fee: 6.5€ per person
- Danube boat cruise: 15€ per person
- combined ticket for Nazi Camp, The Scull Tower, and the Archaeological Hall in Niš = 10€ per person
- City taxes = 1,35€ per person / per night
OPTIONAL:
- Bohemian night in Belgrade = 30€ per person (three-course meal, one drink, and transportation included)
CHILD POLICY:
- Child from 0 to 2 years old – FREE of charge.
- Child from 2 to 12 years old, sharing the bed – 50% discount on the price in a double room
- Child from 2 to 12 years old, extra bed – 30% discount on the price in a double room.
CANCELLATION POLICY:
- Up to 60 days before the departure date = 100% refund
- 59 days to 46 days before the departure date = 90% refund
- 45 days to 31 days before the departure date = 80% refund
- 30 days to 16 days before the departure date = 70% refund
- 15 days to 8 days before the departure date = 50% refund
- 7 days or less before the departure date = 0% refund
IMPORTANT NOTES:
- You MUST confirm and obtain any visa requirements prior to the booking. All visa requirements are the sole responsibility of the traveler. A current valid passport is required on the day of travel.
- Gratuities are not included in the price (not mandatory, but common)
- The final choice of hotels will depend on the availability at the moment of your booking. We reserve the right to change the hotel due to availability, but we promise the same category, location, and level of quality
- The minimum number of guests required for the tour to departure is three.
- Tour duration: seven days
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