Serbia

Serbia sits at a crossroads between Central Europe and the Balkans, and its history shows the influence of Rome, Byzantium, the Ottoman Empire and the Habsburgs. The result is a country of Orthodox monasteries, Austro-Hungarian towns in the north and an energetic capital with a reputation for late nights and generous hospitality.

Belgrade is one of the oldest cities in Europe. The Kalemegdan fortress overlooks the confluence of the Sava and Danube, and makes a fine place to watch the sunset. Below it, the pedestrian Knez Mihailova street leads into the centre, while the cobbled Skadarlija quarter is lined with traditional taverns and live music. The vast Church of Saint Sava, the riverside floating bars known as splavovi and the bohemian Zemun district round out a visit. Novi Sad, with its own Danube fortress, is an easy day trip. Further south, the medieval monasteries of Studenica and Sopoćani, the spa town of Vrnjačka Banja and the Đerdap gorge on the Danube, known as the Iron Gates, are rewarding on a longer trip.

Serbian food is meat-led and very generous. Ćevapi and pljeskavica from the grill, sarma cabbage rolls, kajmak (a rich clotted cream) and ajvar red pepper relish feature at most meals. Rakija fruit brandy is offered as a welcome, and local wines from Fruška Gora and the south are improving fast.

We offer a Belgrade city break and a private guided walking tour of the city. Serbia also features on our Balkans Explorer private van tour, which travels on through Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Croatia for a fuller picture of the region. A private driver and guide is the most comfortable way to see the monasteries and the Danube, since public transport outside the main cities is limited.