Serbia in Depth Tour / Private

Upon arrival in Belgrade, Serbia’s vibrant capital, your driver will welcome you and escort you to your hotel. Enjoy the sights of New Belgrade, featuring Socialist architecture and modern business centres, during the ride from Nikola Tesla Airport. After hotel check-in, use your free time to rest and prepare for the journey ahead.

In the evening, we recommend a leisurely stroll through one of Belgrade’s oldest quarters to Skadarlija, the city’s bohemian heart. This charming 19th century cobbled street is lined with “kafanas” where you can enjoy delicious local specialties and traditional music.

Your journey through Belgrade begins with a panoramic tour highlighting its architectural diversity and history, from bold Brutalism to the emerging Belgrade Waterfront, a symbol of modern transformation. As we cross Branko’s Bridge, you’ll get a glimpse of New Belgrade’s distinctive skyline, featuring landmarks like the Palace of Serbia (SIV), Belgrade Arena, and the modern Ada Bridge. Continuing, we pass through the Dedinje district, home to the Residence of Miloš the Great, embassies, grand villas, and the Museum of Yugoslavia, reflecting the country’s complex history.

Our route then takes us past the monument of Stefan Nemanja, a key figure in Serbian history, and through Slavija Square before arriving at one of Belgrade’s most iconic landmarks – the Temple of Saint Sava. We’ll stop for a visit and devote time to this impressive sanctuary, the symbol of the city and the fourth-largest Orthodox temple in the world, adorned with stunning mosaics.

From there, we continue along King Alexander Boulevard, passing notable sites such as the National Assembly, before reaching the city’s bustling pedestrian zone, where the walking part of our tour starts.

Strolling through Belgrade’s vibrant streets, we arrive at Republic Square and continue down Knez Mihailova Street, the city’s lively cultural and shopping centre.

Refreshed and immersed in the city’s spirit, we will walk through the historic Belgrade Fortress and Kalemegdan Park, where you’ll be amazed by the stunning views of the mighty Sava and Danube rivers. This vantage point offers an impressive contrast in Belgrade, where the old meets the modern and the land merges with the flowing water.

But the day isn’t over yet – get ready to experience Belgrade from a whole new perspective, offering a waterway panorama that ties together everything you’ve discovered so far.

Today, you will explore the most interesting sights of Vojvodina, a province in northern Serbia. You will be driven through picturesque scenery and Serbia’s famous wine region towards Fruška Gora NP, the “Serbian Holy Land”, which is home to 17 functioning Serbian Orthodox monasteries. You will visit the well-preserved Krušedol Monastery, hear captivating stories from the monks, and immerse yourself in the monastery’s rich history.

The tour continues on to town of Sremski Karlovci. A real gem of Serbian culture and spirituality, Sremski Karlovci feels like a “museum town” with its Baroque centre, the Patriarchal Court, the Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Nicholas and the first Serbian secondary school (gymnasium). With its rich winemaking tradition and historical significance, the city stands as one of the focal points for Serbian wine culture.

Your next stop will be Novi Sad, the vibrant capital of Vojvodina and 2021 European Capital of Culture. This multicultural gem is renowned for hosting EXIT, Southeast Europe’s largest music festival. Wander through its lively pedestrian zone, where historic landmarks like the City Hall and the old city centre blend with cultural sites, including the former home of Albert Einstein’s wife Mileva and the city’s historic synagogue. Explore the impressive Petrovaradin Fortress, often called “Danube’s Gibraltar”, where you can enjoy stunning views of the Danube River and the cityscape, perfect for capturing unforgettable moments.

After a short drive, you will return back to Belgrade and enjoy the rest of your evening.

This day is dedicated to uncovering the wonders of Eastern Serbia, a region where history, nature, and adventure intertwine. Depart early from Belgrade, heading to the legendary Golubac Fortress, a two-hour drive along the scenic Danube River. Built at the gateway to the Iron Gates Gorge, this imposing fortress stands where the Danube transforms from its widest expanse into a dramatic passage through the Carpathian Mountains. The strategic location made Golubac a key stronghold in centuries past.

Our journey then takes us to Lepenski Vir, a place that takes you back over 8,000 years to one of Europe’s earliest civilisations. This archaeological site features intriguing sculptures of river gods and the remnants of a mysterious culture that flourished along the Danube long before recorded history. Imagine the lives of these ancient people as you walk through their reconstructed village.

Next, we’ll head to Tekija for a thrilling private speedboat ride through the breathtaking Iron Gates Gorge.

Your journey ends in Kladovo, a peaceful riverside town with a rich Roman heritage where you’ll check-in to the hotel.

Your private Serbian adventure leads us towards Vratna, known for its stunning natural wonders. Here, explore the Vratna Gates, also called the stone arches of Vratna, towering rock formations that are remnants of an ancient, massive cave. These awe-inspiring natural arches are nestled within the dramatic canyon of the Vratna River and are considered a rare geological phenomenon, found in only a few places worldwide.

Next, make your way to Rajačke Pimnice, a charming wine village renowned for its unique stone cellars.

Our last stop is Niš, a dynamic city in southern Serbia known as the birthplace of Roman Emperor Constantine the Great. During the short tour, explore the historic Niš Fortress, Serbia’s largest and best-preserved Turkish military fortress. At the end of the tour, head to the cobbled Tinkers Alley and feel the spirit of the only remaining part of Niš’s old čaršija (market), now home to numerous cafés and restaurants. For an authentic taste of southern Serbian cuisine, we recommend indulging in local specialties such as ćevapi, grilled minced meat kebabs, sarma, and other regional delights.

We begin our journey by heading towards the Skull Tower, a haunting monument unlike any other in the world, attracting over 30,000 visitors annually. Built after the 1809 battle for the liberation of Niš, the tower was constructed using 952 human skulls as a grim warning to those opposing the Ottoman Empire. Today, 59 skulls remain, preserving the chilling legacy of the original structure.

Next, we’ll visit Mediana, a significant archaeological site from the late Roman period, located in the eastern suburb of Niš. This ancient complex once served as a luxurious villa for Roman emperors, offering fascinating insights into the region’s history and architecture. Notable for its well-preserved mosaics and remnants of Roman baths, Mediana highlights the grandeur of the Roman Empire in the Balkans.

Our tour leads us to the Monastery Ljubostinja, a 14th-century Serbian Orthodox monastery located near the town of Trstenik. Renowned for its beautiful frescoes and tranquil atmosphere, it stands as a testament to Serbia’s rich medieval heritage and spiritual devotion.

Later, we will arrive in Vrnjačka Banja, one of the oldest spas in Serbia and a proud owner of the “Queen of the Spas” nickname. Unwind and enjoy the soothing spa facilities at your hotel.

After hotel check-out, we head to Žiča Monastery, known as the “mother of all churches.” Located in the historic “Valley of the Kings,” where the Serbian medieval state was founded, Žiča was built in 1221 by the first Serbian king, Stefan Nemanjic the First-Crowned. It played a pivotal role in the independence of the Serbian Church, serving as the seat of Serbian Autocephaly at the beginning of the 13th century.

Next, we will head to Mokra Gora to visit the Šargan Eight Railroad, a historic narrow-gauge railway that once connected Belgrade and Sarajevo.

We continue to the ethno village Drvengrad (Wooden-Town), built by the renowned film director Emir Kusturica. The village, constructed from natural materials, primarily wood, features the Mećavnik Hotel, houses, galleries, shops, a cinema, and a church. Since 2008, Drvengrad has hosted the annual Küstendorf Film and Music Festival and has welcomed celebrities such as Johnny Depp, Monica Bellucci, Jim Jarmusch, and many others.

After an exquisite wine experience, there will be a short drive to the famous Zlatibor Mountain, home of the first royal resort in Serbia, and check-in to the mountain hotel. Here you can enjoy a relaxing walk around the quaint town centre of this picturesque air spa. In the evening, an enjoyable dinner of traditional Serbian food typical of the region will be served for you.

After breakfast, enjoy a ride on the Zlatibor Gold Gondola Lift, the longest panoramic lift in the world. Spanning nine kilometers, it takes you from the center of Zlatibor to its highest peak, Tornik, offering stunning views of lush meadows and the tranquil Ribničko Lake. Don’t forget your camera to capture the breathtaking scenery, with vistas stretching for hundreds of kilometers across Western Serbia.

After this nature experience, we will head to Sirogojno, known for its Old Village (Staro Selo) open-air museum and iconic Sirogojno sweaters made from raw wool. This interesting complex features traditional homes like the family house, milk house, and bread-making house, offering insight into rural life and mountain culture.

The day concludes with an exciting visit to Stopića Cave, offering a unique opportunity to explore Zlatibor’s underground wonders. The Trnava stream has shaped this river cave, which spans 2,000 meters in length and reaches a height of 50 meters. Visitors can explore several sections, including the Light Hall, Dark Hall, and the Great Hall with pools. While not rich in stalactites, the cave is famed for its striking large tubs, making it one of Eastern Europe’s most beautiful caves.

In the evening, an enjoyable dinner of traditional Serbian food typical of the region will be served for you in one of the most popular traditional restaurants in Zlatibor.

Morning check-out and departure from Zlatibor will take you north to the heart of Serbia, where you’ll explore Oplenac, a place where royals are laid to rest and history comes to life. Here, you’ll visit the majestic royal mausoleum and one of the beautiful wineries that mark Serbia’s regal heritage.

Finally, we’ll drive back to Serbia’s capital city, Belgrade, for hotel check-in and a free evening.

After hotel check-out, it is time to conclude your Balkan tour. As most of our travellers decide to extend their trip within their own organisation, transfer to the airport at the end of the tour is not included in the overall price. Any guests who would like Balkan&more to organise a departure transfer on your behalf are welcome to contact us. End of services.