Take in the best of Belgrade in Serbia and many more of the country's highlights on this 7-day group tour. Uncover the highlights of the Serbian capital on a guided tour and choose from two free days to explore the city at leisure or take optional excursions to Novi Sad and the Resava Treasury. Enjoy an included heritage train ride in Zlatibor and spot rare griffon vultures in Uvac Special Nature Reserve.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Welcome to Belgrade
Welcome to Serbia! Upon arrival in Belgrade, our driver will greet you at the Nikola Tesla airport and take you to your hotel. As you travel by coach, you can relax and take in the sights of New Belgrade, featuring Socialist architecture and modern business centers like the Usce Tower. Your driver will also point out landmarks such as the Western Gate of Belgrade, Belgrade Arena, and Palace of Serbia. After checking in at your hotel, you will have free time to rest and prepare for the tour.
During a brief meeting with our guide at 7pm, you will be introduced to the tour and provided with all necessary information.
Overnight: Belgrade
Belgrade sightseeing
Today we tour Belgrade, the Serbian capital city. First, we visit the Museum of Yugoslav History, a memorial complex dedicated to Josip Broz Tito, the former Yugoslav political leader. We see the stadium of Serbia's most successful football team, FC Red Star, before heading to the Temple of Saint Sava, the patron saint of Belgrade.
After a brief stop at the Temple's plateau, we continue to key landmarks such as Slavija Square, Saint Mark's Church, the Serbian National Parliament, White Palace, and Republic Square. Surrounded by cultural institutions like the National Theater and National Museum, Republic Square is the heart of Belgrade. Our tour will proceed along Knez Mihailo Street, the city's main pedestrian and shopping thoroughfare, before pausing at the Orthodox Cathedral Church of Saint Michael the Archangel, located near the Building of Patriarchate. Then it's on to Kalemegdan Park and Belgrade Fortress. Situated at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, this historic complex is a significant cultural site in Belgrade. After our tour, the rest of the day is at leisure.
Overnight: Belgrade | Breakfast
Belgrade free time or optional tour
Today you have a choice. You can enjoy a free day in Belgrade to explore at your own pace, or you can join an optional excursion to Novi Sad, Petrovaradin, and Sremski Karlovci.
If you join the optional tour, you will first drive to the 'Serbian Holy Land', which is home to 17 active Serbian Orthodox monasteries. Visit the well-preserved monastery Krusedol before proceeding to the town of Sremski Karlovci, known for its rich Serbian culture and Baroque center. You will enjoy wine tasting at one of the region's leading wineries.
Next stop on the tour is the 2021 European Capital of Culture, Novi Sad. Located at the historical border of the Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman empires, Novi Sad reflects a blend of multicultural influences in its architecture. Embark on a sightseeing tour of the city, passing by landmarks such as the City Hall, a Catholic church, the old city center, the former residence of Albert Einstein's wife Mileva, the cultural foundation Matica Srpska, and a synagogue. It's then on to Petrovaradin, known as the 'Danube's Gibraltar', where the fortress is situated. After the optional excursion, it's back to Belgrade for the night.
Overnight: Belgrade | Breakfast
Optional Resava Treasury tour
You can once again choose to explore Belgrade independently or embark on a tour to Resava Treasury. The first stop on the excursion is Manasija Monastery (Resava) located along the Resava River in central Serbia. Built in the early 15th century during the rule of Despot Stefan Lazarevic, the monastery features a Church of the Holy Trinity and has been restored twice due to conquests by the Turks and Austrians. The tour then proceeds to Resava Cave, a well-preserved natural monument. Lunch is at a restaurant near the Lisina waterfalls. After exploring these natural wonders, the tour returns to Belgrade for the overnight stay.
Overnight: Belgrade | Breakfast
Belgrade to Zlatibor & heritage train
Belgrade - Zlatibor. Leaving Belgrade, we drive west towards the picturesque Ovcar-Kablar Gorge. We continue to Tara National Park, where we ride the authentic 'Nostalgia' train that runs along the narrow-gauge heritage railway, Sargan Eight. Enjoy the stunning mountain scenery as we pass through tunnels and viaducts. Originally part of the railway from Belgrade to Sarajevo in the early 20th century, the railway offers a nostalgic trip back in time.
Next, we visit the ethno village Drvengrad (Wooden Town), built by prominent movie director Emir Kusturica. The village is constructed mainly from natural materials such as wood. Hosting the annual Kustendorf Film and Music Festival since 2008, Drvengrad has attracted celebrities like Johnny Depp, Monica Belucci, and Jim Jarmusch.
Our next stop is Zlatibor Mountain, the location of Serbia's first royal resort. Here, we enjoy a leisurely stroll around the charming town center of this picturesque air spa. In the evening, a delightful dinner featuring traditional Serbian cuisine is included.
Overnight: Zlatibor | Breakfast, Dinner
Uvac Special Natural Reserve
Zlatibor - Uvac Special Natural Reserve - Belgrade. Today we head to Uvac Special Natural Reserve, situated between the mountains Javor and Zlatar. This reserve is known for its population of griffon vultures, a rare species of raptor with a wingspan of approximately 3 meters and a weight of up to 11kg, making it the largest bird in Serbia.
Aside from the griffon vultures, the Uvac River has carved deep meanders and formed caves over centuries, which attract numerous tourists annually. We enjoy an included boat tour along the river, passing through the stunning landscape and visiting two caves - Usak and Ledena.
After experiencing Serbia's wild side, we return to Zlatibor and visit Sirogojno, a village renowned for its ethnological museum and 'Sirogojno sweaters' made from raw wool. Explore the Ethnological exposition of the open-air museum known as the Old Village before we return to Belgrade for the final night of our tour.
Overnight: Belgrade | Breakfast
Belgrade
Tuck into breakfast before check out and the end of our touring arrangements.
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with 1 traveller. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers, or if your booking party cannot reach the minimum of 2 persons in a room. Single Rooms can also be booked by any other person wanting the comfort and privacy of their own room. Room sharing is not available on this tour.
Extra Prices
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Hotel Royal Inn, Belgrade
Nestled in the heart of Belgrade, Hotel Royal Inn 4* offers modern luxury with a touch of historic charm. Located steps from the vibrant Knez Mihailova Street and the iconic Kalemegdan Fortress, this hotel is perfect for both leisure and business travellers. Guests can enjoy elegant rooms, a stylish restaurant, and top-notch amenities. Nearby attractions include the bustling Skadarlija district and the serene Danube River promenade.
Hotel Palisad, Zlatibor
Nestled among pine trees near Zlatiborsko Lake, this relaxed hotel is 18 km from Tornik ski resort and 24 km from the Old Village open-air museum. Cosy rooms offer free Wi-Fi, minibars, and flat-screen TVs, as well as lake views. Dining options include a cocktail lounge, buffet eatery, cafe/wine bar, and a refined restaurant with a lake-view terrace. The hotel also features a sauna, gym, sports courts, and meeting facilities.
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with 1 traveller. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers, or if your booking party cannot reach the minimum of 2 persons in a room. Single Rooms can also be booked by any other person wanting the comfort and privacy of their own room. Room sharing is not available on this tour.