Fortress in Serbia
The geographical position of the Balkans, as well as its position that is equally close to the East and the West, was the main cause to the wars in this region. Regardless of whether they were invading or defensive wars, whether they were led by foreign or domestic ones, the wars in the Balkans left a deep trace and great consequences. For this reason, there are numerous military fortifications everywhere in these areas, which left us as a trail of great fighting, battles, and of course the way of living at that time. We will visit some of them built by local inhabitants, some built by invaders, with examples of all the modes and ways of building at that time. Many of them are in very good condition, well preserved and some of them have only traces and memory of their existence.
This tour will try to visit the most famous fortresses, this time in Serbia, preserved and untouched, with a view to their emergence, life in them, attacks and unfortunately leaving the fortifications.
Arrival to the Belgrade airport Nikola Tesla. Departure to Novi Sad, panoramic city sightseeing and accommodation in the hotel. After a break, the tour of Novi Sad, the city center, the Cathedral church, the Zmaj Jovina street, the Danube Street. After the tour of Novi Sad, we will start the path of the Bac fortress, which is 70 kilometres away from Novi Sad. The fortress dates to the Middle Ages and its current form is from the XV century. The town of Bac was first mentioned in Roman reports for 555 years. It should be noted that, like most cities in this region, Bach was often hit by the worst invaders, from Mongols, Turks, Austrians and all who stayed or walked in this area. After visiting Bac, return to Novi Sad. Check in the hotel. Overnight.
Breakfast. Short walk to the centre of Novi Sad. After the morning tour of the left bank of the Danube and the city itself, we are going to the Srem coast of Novi Sad and meet Petorvaradin, a settlement that was once separated from Novi Sad, and today it forms an integral part of it. Petovaradin is a settlement in which life lasts over 6,500 years, with shorter or longer interruptions. There is one of the most beautiful and preserved fortresses in the region. The fort in its present form was made in the XVII and XVIII centuries, on the foundations of earlier fortresses and built by the Austrians. It should be noted that the fortress was often the area of various struggles between the Turkish and Austro-Hungarian empires. The border between these two empires was constantly changing, but it was always near Petrovaradin, and this had a great impact on the life of the fortress and the surroundings of the fort. Free time for lunch. After Petrovaradin, we continue to Zemun. Zemun or Taurunum (a name that was used in Roman period) is a beautiful population in Belgrade and is located on the Danube coast. We will exit bus in front of Gardos, old tower where we will see and hear the story of the establishment of Zemun. By itself, the Gardos Tower is today an artistic and tourist attraction of Zemun and Belgrade. Tower Gardos is one of the four Millennium towers that the Hungarian authorities built on all four countries of the world, in the furthest city kingdoms, as part of the celebration of the 1,000 years of the Major in Pannonia. The tower, 36 meters high, was built at the southernmost point of the kingdom, in Zemun, in the city of Belgrade, in 1896, on the elevated Gardos, on the foundations of the old Zemun fortress Taurunum from the 9th century, which was an important defense point ever issued over the right bank of Danube. After the tower, we will walk by the Zemun’s coast to feel spirit of old part of Zemun full of taverns and restaurants. After visiting Zemun, short trip across the Brankov bridge, panoramic city sightseeing and explore Belgrade’s fortress Kalemegdan. The settlement on the place where the fortress now stands is over 7000 years old. The fortress itself was built in the Middle Ages, and its present form is given by the Austrians in the XIV century. Due to its favourable position, Kalemegdan was frequently attacked by various invaders and often changed the master. After the reign of the Serbs, a long period of Turkish rule came, with shorter periods of Austrian rule. Finally, in the middle of the XIX century, Turkish conquerors leave the city and begin the period of Serbian rule that continues to this day. With a professional guide, we will meet with all the secrets of this magnificent fortress and visit her last corner. After Kalemegdan, check in hotel. Overnight.
Breakfast. Departure for the city of Smederevo, located 70 kilometres from Belgrade. The Smederevo fortress is located on the Danube shore and is well preserved. Built in the XIV century, by the Serbian despot Djurdj Brankovic, in some period she also represented the capital of Serbia. It is built at the flow of the river Jezava in the Danube. The fortress was damaged during the Second World War when the railway composition was loaded with weapons and ammunition exploded and caused great damage to the fortresses, but also to the city itself. From there we continue the drive through the town of Pozarevac, towards the fortress Golubac. In Pozarevac, we keep a short stay. Check in the hotel. After accommodation in the hotel, departure for the fortress Golubac. The fortress built in the XIII century was built on the foundations of the old one, presumably the Romanesque fortress. They were built by Serbs, but like everyone else in this area, they changed the masters throughout history. Turkish, Hungarian, Austrian, German invaders, they all built a part of themselves into their basics. After visiting Golubac, the return to Pozarevac. Free time. Overnight.
Breakfast. Check out the hotel. Departure for Cuprija, town 100 kilometres away from Pozarevac. Arriving at the hotel. After a brief rest, the departure towards the destroying of Monasteries Ravanica and Manasija. We visit the monastery Ravanica which is built in the fort. Today remains are seen and certain parts of fortifications. With the expert guide we hear a story about the construction, but also about the ruin of the fortification of the Ravanica. From there we continue to the Manasija Monastery. Here we find a very well preserved fortress. History in this region was very cruel, so the story of Manassia and Ravanica is very interesting. After visiting the monastery we return to the town of Ćuprija or go to some of the winery nearby. Free time. Overnight.
Breakfast. Depart to Kraljevo and the gorge of the Ibar River. We arrive at the medieval fortress Maglič. Maglič was built in the time of Uroš Prvovenčanog or Uroš I, as a protection for the monasteries Žiča, Studenica and Sopoćani. Fortress, the fort, is very well preserved and is used today for various cultural and artistic events. From Maglic there is a phenomenal view of the river Ibar and the “Valley of Lilacs”. The legend says that from the love of Jelena Anžujska, the Serbian king Uroš I Nemanjić ordered to plant all the famous types of lilacs through the entire valley of the Ibar from Kraljevo to Raska. He wanted to make sure the cliffs of the valley were secure and remind the future queen to her native Provence. So, the future Serbian queen greeted the Valley of Lilacs. This gesture of exceptional attention and admiration delighted Jelena Anžujska and she enjoyed the beatuful magic of the lilac scent that followed her to her future husband. After visiting Maglic, we continue to the Studenica monastery, which was once the capital of the Serbian state. Studenica is the foundation of Saint Simeon Mirotocivog and was never a classical fortress. Studenica was a fortified monastery where even today there are walls around the monastery. Certainly as a site located on the UNESCO World Heritage List, Studenica is obliged to visit. After that we go to Kopaonik where we are accommodated in the hotel and we spend the night. Free time. Organized walking tour. Overnight.
After the Raska region, the road brings us back to the monastery of Žiča, one of the influential monasteries in the medieval Serbian state. In this monastery, all Serbian kings from the line of Nemanjić were crowned. The monastery itself was threatened by a wall whose traces are still visible today. Only the entrance and the large tower at the entrance remained.
After visiting Žiča, return to Belgrade. Departure to the airport.
Package price includes:
- Meet & assist at Belgrade Airport
- Hotel accommodation on BB Basis (5 nights)
- Transfers by Bus (From arrival to BG airport to departure from SA airport)
- English Speaking guide (6 excursion days)
- Entrance fees to mentioned touristic sites
Package price do not include:
- Visa to Serbia
- Flight Ticket to Serbia
- Tips for drivers, hotels or guides
- Anything else not mentioned in the (Included in package price) list above
Wine tour
Although Serbia has for centuries been the scene of frequent wars, devastation, fires and mass-migrations, on the turbulent roads leading from East to Europe and from Europe to East, a rich cultural and historical legacy has remained there. The rich variety of historical monuments and sites of natural beauty make Serbia a country of great interest for tourism and very much part of its attraction. Testament to prehistoric life in this region are the numerous archaeological sites. Lepenski Vir, the first example of socioeconomic structure between 6500 and 5500 BC, Starčevo from the Early Neolithic, 5500 to 4500 BC, and Vinča from the Late Neolithic, 4500 to 3200 BC, constitute the evidence that this was for millennia a cultural centre of the prehistoric world. One of the most important categories of preserved monument in Serbia are Orthodox monasteries, which came into being during the period from the 12th to the 17th century. They can be found in an area ranging from Fruška Gora in the north, through the Morava and Ibar valleys, all the way to Kosovo and Metohija. The Stari Ras and Sopoćani complex, Studenica monastery and Visoki Dečani, together with the Patriarchate of Peć, Gračanica and the Our Lady of Ljeviš church in Prizren, are listed under the joint name of “Mediaeval Monuments in Kosovo (Serbia)” on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Arrival at Belgrade International airport Transfer to the hotel. Checking into the hotel. Free time . Overnight.
Breakfast at the hotel. Guided city tour of Belgrade. Belgrade is the capital of Serbia, and has a population of around 2 million. It is situated in South-Eastern Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula, at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. It is one of the oldest cities in Europe and has since ancient times been an important focal point for traffic, an intersection of the roads of Eastern and Western Europe. Belgrade is the capital of Serbian culture, education, science and economy.. Visiting the House of Flowers (former Yugoslavian leader Josip Broz Tito`s memorial house. We will approaching to Belgrade- Master cross roads and from there passes most refind Belgrade area – Dedinje. Panoramic tour of The White palace in Dedinje district. The White Palace was commissioned by command of King Alexander I with his private funds as the residence for his sons Crown Prince Peter (the future King Peter II), Prince Tomislav and Prince Andrej. After Royal Palace we pass near biggest stadiums in Eastern Europe. Continuing the tour, we find a beautiful park known as Karadjordje’s park and St. Sava’s Temple, it is the biggest orthodox temple in the Balkans. Free time for Lunch. Kalemegdan fortress – The tour begins at most famous Belgrade fortress- Kalemegdan park from 19. century with visiting St. Petka Church, walking through Princess Ljubica Residence, Saborna Church and Museum of the Serbian Orthodox Church. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight.
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure for Sremski Karlovci. Sremski Karlovci is a small town situated on the slopes of Fruška gora, 57 kilometers from Belgrade. The baroque core contains many historical buildings, which strike with both their beauty and significance. Despite small number of inhabitants in this town, significance for Serbian history, culture and spirituality is huge. Rich in tradition, this is main destination for wine admirer. City tour of Sremski Karlovci which includes Patriarchy Residence, Karlovci’s Grammar School, Fountain ’’The Four Lions’’ .Cellar Zivanovic–http://www.muzejzivanovic.com/ it is family inextricably connected to the whole development of viticulture and wine making in Sremski Karlovci. The first records point to a certain Teodor Živanović (1753 – 1832) and his successor Josim, successful winemakers, who established the family tradition of wine making and whose reputation lasts until this day. The wines are produced in a three hundred years old cellar, one of the oldest and biggest, used also by our ancestors. Lunch at the cellar Zivanovic. Departure for Novi Sad. Novi Sad is the capital of the northern Serbian province of Vojvodina and the administrative centre of the South Backa District. The city is located on the border of the Bačka and Syrmia regions, on the banks of the Danube river and Danube-Tisa-Danube Canal, and facing the northern slopes of Fruška Gora mountain . Fruska Gora Mt. – Fruska Gora hides 16 orthodox monasteries famous for their specific architecture, treasuries, libraries and frescoes and numerous archeological sites from prehistoric and historic times as well. Departure for Belgrade. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight.
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure for Topola and Oplenac. http://www.360vr.rs/verski-objekti/oplenac/oplenac.html The hill of Oplenac is situated in the heart of the Serbia`a picturesque Šumadija region and it represents foundation of the modern Serbian State. On its peak, stands a unique monument of the Serbian cultural and historical heritage – the Church of Saint George. A white marbled five-domed mausoleum of the Karadjordjevic dynasty, decorated with impressive mosaics in 15,000 nuances, depicting biblical scenes copied from medieval frescoes from more than 70 Serbian Orthodox Monasteries. Oplenac is also home to the ‘Triumph’ white wine, once produced exclusively for King Aleksandar Karadjordjevic, according to the original recipe of German winemakers. Visit to the Karadjordjevic Complex at hill of Oplenac at 12 h which includes: St George Church, Peter`s House (family Karadjordjevic mausoleum, Karadjordje City with historical exhibition, Gallery in the Winegrower House with degustation .Lunch in the cellar Aleksandrovic with wine degustation. Aleksandrovic Winery – http://vinarijaaleksandrovic.rs/ The Aleksandrović family cultivates vines and makes wines for more than a century. From the very beginning they cooperated closely with the royal viticulturists and cellar masters and also were among founders of the Vinča Winemaking Cooperative. In order to produce top quality wines Aleksandrović Winery at present cultivates 75 ha of own vineyards planted with the high-quality grape varieties. Located in the Vinča village, close to Topola, our vineyards belong to the Šumadija wine region – Oplenac vineyards. Departure for Belgrade. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight.
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure for Lepenski Vir. LepenskiVir – http://www.virtuelnimuzejdunava.rs Lepenski Vir was known as one of the oldest European and world urban settlements, as well as culturally advanced for the Middle Stone Age period (6500 BCE). Visiting Viminacium . Viminacium- www.viminacium.org.rs Viminacium was built in the 1st century as one of the first Roman military camps on the Danube River. It was the capital of Upper Moesia during 3rd and 4th century, one of only few Roman settlements which was demolished and rebuilt. It is still being explored and new excavations are underway, promising great and exciting new discoveries. Lunch and wine degustation at Cellar Radovanovic. Cellar Radovanovic- http://www.podrumradovanovic.rs/ This is the first Serbian privately owned winery striving to make high quality wines. In these twenty five years Podrum Radovanović winery has won many awards for its wines around the globe and participated in some of the most distinguished international wine competitions. Departure and visit.. Smederevska fortress. Smederevo fortress represents the highest achievement of medieval Serbian military architecture. In the accomplishment of its construction are collected many centuries of experience, skill and knowledge of native and Byzantine artisans, but also all anxiety and hope, weariness and waiving, joy and faith of all those who endured main burden of its construction.
Breakfast at the hotel. Checking out. Transfer to the airport. End of service.
Package price includes:
- Meet & assist at Belgrade Airport
- Hotel accommodation on BB Basis (5 nights)
- Transfers in Bus (From arrival to airport to departure from airport)
- English Speaking guide (4 excursion days)
- Wine degustation and Lunch at 3 excursion days
- Entrance fees to mentioned touristic sites
- 1 free pax as tour leader in SGL room
Package price do not include:
- Visa
- Flight Ticket
- Tips for drivers, hotels or guides
- Dinner at hotel (Supplement per person mentioned above)
- Anything else not mentioned in the (Included in package price) list above