Cultural Landscapes of Serbia

Fly to Serbia’s capital and transfer to your centrally located Belgrade hotel. Travel through New Belgrade’s modern business district and glimpse its socialist-era architecture before checking in at your hotel. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll down Skadarlija, Belgrade’s bohemian quarter, filled with traditional restaurants and cobbled streets.

Begin your exploration of Belgrade with a tour that takes in Knez Mihailova Street, the Kalemegdan Fortress, and the confluence of the Sava and Danube Rivers. Sip on local coffee and rakija at the city’s oldest tavern, “?”, before continuing to see the Temple of Saint Sava and taking a panoramic drive through New Belgrade’s striking modern landscape. End the day with a scenic river cruise. (B)

Travel north to the Vojvodina region to visit the serene monasteries of Fruška Gora National Park. Explore the town of Sremski Karlovci, known for its Baroque charm and winemaking tradition, before heading to Novi Sad, the 2021 European Capital of Culture. Visit the imposing Petrovaradin Fortress and enjoy stunning views of the Danube. Return to Belgrade in the evening. Return to Belgrade in the late afternoon. (B, wine tasting)

Depart eastwards towards the town of Kladovo, on the banks of the Danube. En-route visit mighty Golubac Fortress - a recently restored and Hungarian built fairy-tale castle, wonderfully set off by its location in the rugged landscape at the head of the Đerdap Gorge and undoubtedly one of the most beautiful castles along the river’s length. Continue to Lepesnki Vir - an important Mesolithic archaeological site dating from between 6700-5500 BC, before taking to the water for a 1 hour private spped boat tour on the Danube. Zip along the natural border between Romania and Serbia to see the magnificent Iron Gate gorge where, carved in stone, the statue of the former Dacian ruler and ancestor of the Romanians, Decebalus, presides. On the Serbian side of the river, the Trajan plaque commemorates the emperors final conquest of Dacia. End the day in Kladovo. (B)

This morning visit the dramatic Vratna Gates, natural stone arches near a medieval monastery. Continue to the town of Vrnjacka Banja, making several stops en-route including the UNESCO listed archaeological site of Felix Romuliana, also known as Gamzigrad, built during the late 3rd and early 4th centuries AD as a grand imperial palace complex by the Roman Emperor Galerius. Felix Romuliana served as a lavish residence and mausoleum for the emperor and his family. The site covers an extensive area and includes various structures such as temples, palaces, baths, and fortifications. Arrive in Vrnjacka Banja, a popular spa town famous for its mineral springs and abundant green spaces. Stroll along the river front in the early evening. (B)

Spend the day visiting Serbia’s most treasured monasteries, both UNESCO protected. First stop is Sopocani Monastery, famed for its colourful wall frescos from the 13-14th Century. Afterwards, head on to the magnificent Studenica Monastery, the largest and richest Orthodox monastery in Serbia, with its impressive collection of Byzantine-style frescoes. Return to Vrnjacka Banja to spend the night. (B)

Drive towards Zlatibor, making various stops en-route.Travel on to Mokra Gora for a train journey on the unique Sargan Eight mountain railway; an old-fashioned narrow-gauge railway which cuts dramatically through the picturesque mountain landscape and folows a figure of 8 shape-hence the name. Continue to the ethno village of Drvengrad, built by the prominent Serbian film director Emir Kusturica for his film 'Life is a Miracle'. This kooky theme park of sorts where streets are named after famous film stars and the Stanley Kubrik theatre plays Life is a Miracle on repeat. Continue on to Zlatibor to overnight. Zlatibor is a small mountain town surrounded by the sloping Zlatibor hills. This evening enjoy authentic Serbian cuisine with local delicacies at a traditional kafanas. (B,D)

This morning visit Sirogojno, an open-air museum which depicts the homes and lives of people from the region over the centuries. Explore the nearby Stopića Cave to see its stunning limestone formation. Return to Zlatibor for a ride on the Gold Gondola, a 10 minute cable car ride to the top of Tornik Mountain, for beautiful views of the surrounding rolling hills. Return to the hotel for dinner. (B,D)

Travel to Oplenac via the Ovcar-Kablar Gorge. Oplenac is the unofficial capital of the Karadjordjevic dynasty. It features the magnificent mausoleum of the royal family and the church of St.George which is one of the most beautiful orthodox churches in the country. The inside of the church is covered with must see mosaics from floor to ceiling. Embark on a royal wine journey in the "Serbian Tuscany," Šumadija, tasting traditional wines and exploring Serbia’s winemaking heritage at a prestigious century-old winery. Travel back to Belgrade for your final evening in the capital. (B, wine tasting)

Bid farewell to your driver/guide and transfer to the airport for the flight back to the UK. (B)