Select International - FASCINATING SERBIA- CULTURE, RELIGION and HISTORY

FASCINATING SERBIA- CULTURE, RELIGION and HISTORY

8 NIGHTS/ 9 DAYS

DAY 1: DEPART U.S.A

You depart on an overnight flight to Belgrade.

DAY 2 : BELGRADE

Belgrade at Night

Welcome to Serbia! Arrive in Belgrade and transfer to your hotel. On first impression you would never know that the capital of Serbia, has emerged from a decade long war, which decimated its economy and destroyed tourism. The city is alive with crowded streets, bustling cafes, brimming stores and warm, welcoming people. Rest of the evening is at leisure to become acclimated to a new time zone, to relax and explore the city, which will not impress the casual visitor with its grand proportions, but will forever tie him with its invisible bonds. Tonight we enjoy a welcome dinner in Skadarlija, world known bohemian part of Belgrade with ancient houses and cobbled streets, where you can enjoy both the tasty, traditional Serb meal and experience string bands playing music and traditional old town songs in the outdoor cafes. Moments spent in Skadarlija with friendly and relaxed Belgradians will be mementos always remembered with a smile. Overnight Belgrade. (D)

DAY 3: BELGRADE

Our panoramic tour visits most of the important sights including Slavija Square, Yugoslav Drama Theatre, Parliament, City Hall, Terazije with the old fountain, Republic Square, National Theatre, University Complex, Church of St. Marko, Church of St. Petka, Saborna Crkva, Konak Knjeginje Ljubice, and St. Sava Cathedral. We also visit Kalemegdan, the historic Belgrade fortress with its massive defensive walls from the 15-18th centuries. Afternoon is at leisure to enjoy a favorite pastime of the locals, people watching, or visit one of the many Splav (floating restaurants) . Overnight Belgrade. (B.)

DAY 4: TOPOLA, OPLENAC, ARANDJELOVAC

We start the day with a visit to Royal tradition of Serbia and the town of Topola, in the hilly Sumadija region, where we visit Karadjordje’s Residence, and the parish church of Virgin Mary, before we arrive at Oplenac to see the fascinating church of St. George built by King Peter I. We visit the Royal Mausoleum, which is the burial sight for the members of the Karadjordjevic Dynasty. Lunch en route. Overnight Belgrade. (B.L.)

DAY 5: CENTRAL SERBIA

Today we visit the jewel of the Serbian Monasteries- Studenica, set on the beautiful deeply wooded and untouched by commercialization Mount Radocelo. Throughout the history of medieval Serbia, Studenica was the most prominent and revered monastery. It served as the residence of Stefan Nemanjic, and his son Rastko, better known as St. Sava. King Stefan Nemanjic unified Serbian lands, bringing Serbia first independence and international recognition. He also established the Serbian Orthodox Church and founded many churches, including the Serbian monastery of Hilandar on Holy Mountain in Greece. We visit the monastery Studenica and its three ch

urches and have lunch there. In the afternoon we visit Zica, also founded by Stefan Nemanjic, and the first seat of the Serbian Archbishopic. The church is dedicated to the Ascension of the Lord and displays frescoes from the Raska school. Overnight in Zlatibor. (B.D)

DAY 6: ZLATIBOR

Your breath will be taken away by the unspoiled beauty of Zlatibor and Tara mountains, recently recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Today you visit Sarganska Osmica a perfectly restored ancient train route shaped in the letter eight through the mountains of Mokra Gora. We then visit Kremsko Prorocanstvo , where the brothers Tarabic lived and prophesized many of the main events of the 20th century. Then off to Drvengrad, a small ethnic village constructed by the famous director Emir Kusturica. If in residence we will have a chance to meet with him. Overnight Zlatibor. (B.D.)

DAY 7: ZLATIBOR

We start the day with a visit to a pottery village where we see how local artist fashion pottery dishes, sold all over Europe. Then we visit Sirogojno the ethnic village where we see how Serbs lived in the 18 and 19th century, here they prepare for us a fashion show at the world famous Sirogojno sweater factory. We then stop at Kostunici, where we are welcome in a typical village home and served a feast of a meal by the friendly Serbian villagers. Overnight Belgrade. (B.L.)

DAY 8: TREASURES OF VOJVODINA

Our journey today takes us to the flat, fertile plains of Vojvodina, as we tour the beautiful and fascinating Monasteries of Fruska Gora. This unique group of densely situated monasteries built in XV to XVIII century includes fifteen monasteries, but time permits us to visit only the 16th century Krusedol. But a visit to this region would not be complete without a stop in the romantic town of Sremski Karlovci. We visit Patriarch’s Mansion and it’s vine cellar where we have opportunity to taste vine and Brandy. We continue to Novi Sad and Petrovaradin Fortress. Dinner can be scheduled in Novi Sad with late arrival in Belgrade. Overnight Belgrade (B.D.)

DAY 9:BELGRADE- USA

This morning you are transferred to the airport for your flight home or take an optional extension to one of the surrounding countries. (B)

YOUR TOUR INCLUDES:

Round trip airfare NYC/Belgrade/NYC
Accommodations at first class hotels
Comprehensive sightseeing as per the itinerary
Transportation by a deluxe air-conditioned motor coach.
English speaking tour escort.
Baggage handling of one suitcase per person.
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